In March 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic prompted government containment measures, many companies shifted to telecommuting. Three months in, a full return to the office remained elusive, with remote work persisting fully or partially across organizations. Drawing on authoritative insights from the Malakoff Humanis group, we analyze the health crisis's impact on work organization and employee well-being, based on two targeted studies into teleworking and absenteeism.
This Malakoff Humanis study underscores the positive effects of remote work on employees' lives. Notably, 73% of teleworkers report being satisfied with the arrangement—a 7-point rise from an April survey. Among new teleworkers, 43% say the crisis has positively shifted their view of working from home.
Satisfaction stems largely from enhanced flexibility, cited by 80% of respondents. For 44%, greater autonomy and empowerment were key factors. Perceived benefits also grew, with 34% noting improved work efficiency.
These trends suggest remote work could become standard—and employees agree. 84% of French workers want to continue telecommuting post-confinement, while 44% favor a more regular remote schedule. These shifts hold promise but demand careful management.
While telework resonates with many, it carries potential downsides, particularly for health. The study finds 27% of teleworkers report a negative impact on physical health. Among them, 44% cite reduced physical activity; 45% note poorer working postures due to confinement setups; and 25% mention worsening dietary habits. Additionally, 33% experience disrupted sleep, and 48% struggle to disconnect, heightening mental load.
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