Teleworking Benefits: Why Remote Work from Home or Coworking Wins for Employees and Employers

Say goodbye to the 'commute, work, sleep' routine! Like millions of French professionals, you've chosen teleworking. Discover why working remotely—from home or a coworking space—is so appealing, and explore the key benefits for both you and your employer.

What exactly is teleworking?

Teleworking involves performing part of your professional duties on a regular, voluntary basis outside the traditional office (e.g., home or coworking space). In France, it affects 29% of employees in companies with over ten staff—about 5.2 million people—with numbers steadily rising. From 2018 to 2019 alone, it gained 700,000 more adopters (Malakoff Médéric-Humanis study).

Did you know?

The concept originated in the 1950s in the US, where 30% of workers now telecommute—well ahead of Europe (10-20%) and France (8-15%).

What does French law say about teleworking?

Teleworkers and managers retain the same rights and obligations as in-office staff (Article L. 1222-9 of the Labor Code). Employers must additionally:

• Conduct an annual review with the employee;
• Inform them about professional-only use of provided tools;
• Offer equivalent internal vacancies first to teleworkers.

Why is teleworking so attractive?

Advantages for companies

Employers embrace it for good reasons:

• Productivity boost: Happier employees deliver more—a 25% productivity increase from home studies show;
• Fewer morning delays mean more work time;
• Reduced costs: Less office space and furniture needed;
• Lower turnover: Flexible environments retain top talent.

Benefits for employees

Remote workers gain significantly too:

• Time savings: Skip crowded transport, early alarms, and rush-hour stress—start zen;
• Better work-life balance: Handle sick kids, strikes, or snow without panic;
• Freelance freedom with full employee perks: Social security, pay, holidays, training rights intact;
• Boosted confidence: Employer trust enhances pride and motivation.

6 Proven Tips for Successful Teleworking

Sign a telework charter

A collective agreement or charter sets success foundations, covering:

• Setup conditions (e.g., pollution, weather) and return to office;
• Employee acceptance process;
• Employer oversight methods;
• Active work hours;
• Accessibility for disabled workers.

Create a dedicated workspace

Ideally, reserve a room with ergonomic chair, good lighting, plants, powerful PC, and essentials like a coffee maker.

Upgrade your internet

Avoid lag frustration—contact your provider, explain teleworking needs, and optimize bandwidth.

Leverage collaboration tools

Stay connected without isolation: Use Slack for chat, Google Drive for files, Skype/Zoom for meetings.

Maintain discipline

Start on time (or earlier for flexibility), arrange childcare (telework ≠ babysitting), and skip Netflix distractions.

Stick to office hours

Don't overwork—enjoy lunch with family, take regular breaks. Focus on working smarter.

Ready to telework? It's a trust-based win-win. Prove you're the standout collaborator your employer knows you are.