Telework is a developing field of work. This type of work is only possible due to an improvement in information and communication technology (ICT). Because of this, technology is an essential component of the definition of telework.
The benefits of teleworking
The development of telework has to be encouraged because it has positive benefits for society. In fact, this can be an adequate solution to increase the wellbeing of employees because they will have a choice about whether to adopt this type of work or not, without harming the firm. Also, telework can to some extent be a solution for environmental problems. For example, this type of work is reducing pollution (because less people will have to travel from and to work) and is leading to less crowded public transportation, which can be a major problem in large cities like Paris. These types of problems mean that it is important to provide a technological tool available to everyone. For the firm, the cost is not more than the traditional workspace. Teleworkers are often more productive than workers in the firm. It is an asset for the corporate social responsibility.
Vigilant aspect of teleworking
Although telework has significant benefits, it is important for employers to remain vigilant. Security is a fundamental component in order to protect the firm from harm. It is important to ensure that the employer is not able to constantly monitor the actions of its employees because this can be harmful for individual privacy.
It is also important to note that telework does not necessarily mean that an employee must work from home. Telework can be done from home but it can also be done from somewhere else. For this reason, telework has its own labour legislation in French law. Telework has been used since the 1950s, meaning that French legislation has been missing an update for an extended period of time. Furthermore, the legislation of 2012 was not developed enough and was therefore modified in 2017 to include an ordinance. This legal framework will probably be further developed. The goal of this legislation is to increase telework in areas of work in which it is already applicable. This should be viewed as an opportunity by firms. Also, firms have the possibility to adjust the use of telework by making it temporary or permanent for example. The practice of telework needs an adjustment and needs to be encouraged.
