Teleworking, which has become a permanent feature since the Covid-19 pandemic, has advantages for employees, but it also exposes them to "emerging psychosocial risks," identified in a Dares study published Friday.
The study by the statistical service of the Ministry of Labor focuses on these risks for the employees concerned (26% in 2023), "often addressed in a fragmented manner" until now, without returning to the contributions associated with teleworking such as promoting autonomy, reducing home-work journeys, making it possible to deal with health problems, etc.
Based on various studies published on the subject, the Dares study identifies three main categories of risks: "the distancing of social relations, the intensification of work and the difficulty of balancing life times."
On the first point, the study notes in particular that the distance from the hierarchy can "hinder communication", "accentuate tensions linked to written exchanges which multiply through emails, instant messages or other platforms" or even have an impact on career (training opportunities, bonuses, etc.).
Distance from colleagues can also affect collective dynamics, create isolation or make the work of staff representatives more complicated.
Regarding work intensification, the study notes that it "does not necessarily appear to increase" when working remotely. But the risk of "mental overload and burnout" may be increased, particularly by hyperconnectivity or time limits that may be more "unclear." Remote workers may also feel compelled to work more to demonstrate their commitment, through "accountability mechanisms."
Regarding work-life balance, the study highlights that teleworking provides better work-life balance by reducing travel time, allowing for flexible schedules, and increasing family time. "However, these general findings are confronted with a more complex reality," notes Dares. These include a "blurring of boundaries," "a risk of women being reassigned to the home, especially mothers," and increased risks of domestic violence.
The study concludes that teleworking "exposes people to new psychosocial risks" and that the effects of social distancing are "well documented", with the results on work intensity being "more nuanced", while the difficult balance between family and professional life "is specific to certain contexts and particularly concerns mothers".
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