Commission launches first-stage consultation of social partners on fair telework and the right to disconnect*
The Commission launched the first-stage consultation of European social partners to gather their views on the possible direction of EU action on ensuring fair telework and the right to disconnect, reads a press release of the European Commission.
Telework has become widespread, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. The EU Labor Force Survey shows that the overall proportion of people working from home in the EU has almost doubled in the last few years, from 11.1% in 2019 to 20% in 2022. Significant differences exist in this respect across industries, sectors and work profiles, also depending on a job's ‘teleworkability', i.e. to what extent it is feasible to be carried out remotely.
Evidence shows those workers who can and do telework clearly appreciate its benefits, notably its flexibility, with over 60% of respondents to a 2022 Eurofound survey confirming they want to work from home at least part of their working time.
Indeed, telework brings many opportunities to the world of work, but also some challenges. While it can allow for flexible work arrangements, it also raises questions on how to ensure workers' rights are respected in a more digitalised work environment. This includes ensuring adequate working conditions and health and safety at work. Notably, the use of digital tools for work and the possibility to work remotely can carry the risk of an ‘always-on' work culture. This has led to calls by different stakeholders for a ‘right to disconnect', to draw clear boundaries between one's professional and private life.
In the meantime, European cross-industry social partners launched negotiations to update their 2002 Framework Agreement on telework, supported by the Commission. Following their inconclusive negotiations, they asked the issue to be addressed by the Commission. This is why the Commission is now launching the formal consultation of the EU social partners, as per the rules and procedure for social policy legislation. The consultation will be open until 11 June 2024.
