Telework
ILO: Social dialogue key to shape telework regulation
The rise in telework has exposed several challenges for both workers and employers. At a conference which followed up on a European Parliament’s Resolution on the right to disconnect, the ILO explained why social dialogue is crucial to deal with these issues.
Manuela Tomei, Director of the ILO Conditions of Work and Equality Department, joined a conference on the right to disconnect and telework, jointly organized by the European Commission and the European Parliament.
The rise in mandatory telework during the COVID-19 pandemic has fuelled changes in legislation and policy debates to adapt the regulation of telework in a post-pandemic scenario.
In particular, the right to disconnect and provisions pertaining to occupational safety and health during telework have garnered increased policy attention, especially now that many organizations seem to be moving towards a hybrid model of telework with workers’ support. The use of telework during the pandemic has exposed the risk for workers’ physical and mental health, safety and work-life balance, when the boundaries between work and non-work are blurred. It has also pointed to the challenges faced by companies concerning innovation and productivity.
Ms Tomei stressed the importance of social dialogue in dealing with these issues. “A law on telework or the right to disconnect is a point of departure, not of arrival,” she said. “It needs implementation and buy-in from employers and workers. Its effectiveness will depend on the strength of industrial relations nationally and the existence of a clear regulatory framework.” The six EU countries that have legislated thus far on the right to disconnect converge in highlighting the role of social partners in shaping workplace processes in the interest of both workers and companies.
In a Resolution adopted in January 2021, the European Parliament has called on the European Commission to put forward a legislative proposal on the right to disconnect and fair telework. The Commission has started this process, and any initiative will be subject to a two-phase consultation of the European social partners. The European social partners – ETUC and Business Europe – committed to entering into negotiations on a European Framework Agreement that would be put forward in the form of a Directive.
The importance of the topic has also been acknowledged in the Council Conclusions on telework, adopted in June 2021 under the Portuguese Presidency.
The rise in mandatory telework during the COVID-19 pandemic has fuelled changes in legislation and policy debates to adapt the regulation of telework in a post-pandemic scenario.
In particular, the right to disconnect and provisions pertaining to occupational safety and health during telework have garnered increased policy attention, especially now that many organizations seem to be moving towards a hybrid model of telework with workers’ support. The use of telework during the pandemic has exposed the risk for workers’ physical and mental health, safety and work-life balance, when the boundaries between work and non-work are blurred. It has also pointed to the challenges faced by companies concerning innovation and productivity.
Ms Tomei stressed the importance of social dialogue in dealing with these issues. “A law on telework or the right to disconnect is a point of departure, not of arrival,” she said. “It needs implementation and buy-in from employers and workers. Its effectiveness will depend on the strength of industrial relations nationally and the existence of a clear regulatory framework.” The six EU countries that have legislated thus far on the right to disconnect converge in highlighting the role of social partners in shaping workplace processes in the interest of both workers and companies.
In a Resolution adopted in January 2021, the European Parliament has called on the European Commission to put forward a legislative proposal on the right to disconnect and fair telework. The Commission has started this process, and any initiative will be subject to a two-phase consultation of the European social partners. The European social partners – ETUC and Business Europe – committed to entering into negotiations on a European Framework Agreement that would be put forward in the form of a Directive.
The importance of the topic has also been acknowledged in the Council Conclusions on telework, adopted in June 2021 under the Portuguese Presidency.