Telework

Telework or telecommuting can broadly be defined as work done independent of time and place, with the help of information and communication technologies (ICTs). Despite high expectations, largely due to rapid advances in ICTs, only a small proportion of North American and European employees telework on a regular basis. Teleworkers typically work from their homes every now and then, continuing duties already done on their employer’s premises. Formal telework under an employment contract remains rare, whereas informal and occasional telework seems to be the norm.

Although active teleworkers constitute a minority of the working population, telework has many benefits, offering a possible win-win situation for both employees and employers. The potential advantages of telework include more flexible working hours and autonomy, improved productivity and profitability, stronger ...