A new study from Eurofound highlights the growth of flexible and remote working in response to COVID-19. The study explores the benefits and drawbacks of flexible work initiatives, including work-life balance, autonomy, productivity, and mental health.
The big picture: The paper examines how EU Member States implement flexible working measures and the potential effects of teleworking on work boundaries.
What's next: The research raises questions about the permanent changes to traditional work structures and the reasons behind the limited increase in flexible working time.
The bottom line: The study underlines the need to consider the impact of flexibility on workforce diversity and the potential creation of a two-tier workforce.
ADDITIONAL MATERIAL
Eurofound paper. It looks at the following questions:
- Has the pandemic permanently altered the traditional boundaries of work?
- How do EU Member States implement flexible working measures?
- Why has the widespread adoption of teleworking not been followed by a corresponding increase in flexible working time?
Interesting post on LinkedIn asking if the UK’s right to ask for flexible working risks creating a two-tier workforce.
Tom Hayes
Director of European Union and Global Labor Affairs, HR Policy Association
Contact Tom Hayes LinkedIn