Performing work outside the traditional office or workplace is known as teleworking. Employees are enabled to carry out their tasks from home or another remote location. Depending on the agreements between the employer and the employee, teleworking is possible on either a full-time or part-time basis.
Benefits of teleworking
Teleworking has many benefits for both employer and employee. Employees may be less burdened by distractions and the stress of commuting, allowing employers to increase productivity. Companies can also benefit from cost savings on office space and operating costs. Telecommuting can also help improve the work-life balance of employees, which in turn leads to increased employee satisfaction and retention.
Many countries in the European Union (EU) have enacted specific teleworking laws and regulations to ensure that employees are adequately protected when working from home. In Switzerland, there are also regulations that define the framework conditions for teleworking and protect both employees and employers.
Challenges of teleworking
Although teleworking offers advantages, the associated challenges must also be taken into account. As the workplace is directly in the home environment, the separation of work and private life can be more difficult. Lack of appropriate tools and processes can make communication between team members more difficult. It can also be challenging to keep track of employees' working hours and workloads.
It is important to set clear guidelines and expectations for teleworking to overcome these challenges. It is also possible to increase the effectiveness of telecommuting through training and support for employees working from home.
Technology for teleworking
It is crucial for successful teleworking to utilize technology. In order for employees to access company resources and communicate with their team members, a reliable internet connection is required. Tools such as video conferencing, instant messaging and shared work platforms are essential for collaboration in virtual teams.
It is important that companies invest in appropriate technology to ensure that teleworking works effectively. To avoid data breaches, it is important to ensure the security of data and information at all times.
The future of teleworking
In recent years, the importance of teleworking has increased and is expected to continue to play an important role in the future. More and more employees are asking for the flexibility that teleworking offers. Companies that offer teleworking can gain a competitive advantage in the recruitment of skilled workers.
Teleworking is likely to remain widespread even after the COVID-19 pandemic. Companies are increasingly willing to implement hybrid working models that combine teleworking and face-to-face work in order to meet the changing needs of employees.
