Teleworking during the COVID-19 pandemic Risks and prevention strategies : literature review

Abstract

This article sets out the main issues relating to the definition of telework, before looking at the main drivers of telework and examining its incidence around the EU. It then gives an overview of health and safety issues in the workplace, before examining those that are specifically related to teleworking. It also looks at how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected health and safety for teleworkers. The article then examines the different types and levels of regulation that are relevant for telework. There is also a specific focus on regulation around the right to disconnect. It then looks at some examples of agreements regulating occupational safety and health (OSH) and telework in companies around the EU. Finally, it sets out a number of conclusions in relation to what works in promoting and protecting OSH for teleworkers, the principal remaining challenges and the post-pandemic future.