Has the Covid-19 crisis had positive consequences on the organization of working hours in companies? In a report released on Friday, the International Labor Organization (ILO) examines the effects of working hours on business performance and work-life balance.
« This report shows that if we put into practice the lessons learned from the Covid-19 crisis and look in detail at how working hours are structured, as well as their duration as a whole, we can create a “win-win” scenario by improving both company performance and work-life balance says Jon Messenger, lead author of the study.
Limiting flexibility comes with significant costs
The measures taken during the COVID-19 crisis provide new evidence, according to the ILO, that giving workers more flexibility in how, where and when they work can be good for both themselves and for companies, for example by improving productivity.
Conversely, the ILO said in a statement, limiting flexibility has significant costs, including increased staff turnover. ” There is a large body of evidence showing that policies targeting work-life balance lead to significant gains for companies and this supports the argument that such policies are indeed a “win-win” scenario for both employers and for employees “says the report.
It is necessary to regulate teleworking
The ILO points out, however, that while teleworking helps maintain employment and creates a new framework for employee autonomy, it requires – as do other forms of flexible working arrangements – regulations aimed at limiting its effects. right to log out ».
According to the report, a significant portion of the world’s workforce works hours other than the standard eight-hour day (or 40-hour work week). More than a third regularly work more than 48 hours a week and a fifth less than 35 hours a week.
Zoom – For the British industrialist James Dyson teleworking is ” self-destructor »
The strengthening of flexibility at work wanted by the British government is ” self-destructor for the United Kingdom, the British industrialist and billionaire James Dyson denounced in early December, while many employers in the country are having the greatest difficulty in convincing their employees to return to the office.
Teleworking, which has spread widely since the Covid-19 pandemic,” it impedes the face-to-face collaboration and training we need to develop new technologies and maintain our competitiveness “, assured the founder of the Dyson group in a column published in the newspaper Times.
The UK government announced on Tuesday 6 December its intention to increase flexibility at work, in particular to help employees. balance their work and personal life “especially those who” take care of children or vulnerable people According to the reform brought by the executive, employees will be able to request easier access to teleworking, but also to jobs shared between several employees or with flexible hours. Employers will not be forced to accept, but will have the obligation to explore the options available with your employees.
(with AFP)
