ARTICLE FROM 17 JUNE 2022
Teleworking abroad :
Focus on the new Workation trend
Elon Musk recently condemned the telecommuting model. Has Tesla had a bit of a management problem with this... ?
Because if we analyze the current figures, teleworking is spreading more and more all over the world, and it is a proven trend, even a need expressed more and more by employees, whether they are executives or employees. So for any company, it is good to be interested in it. Let's have a look at its evolution in the world:
France is a driving force in the development of telecommuting and, more broadly, of a hybrid model. And, we are not the only ones seduced by this trend. Many countries have followed, such as Germany, the United States and South Africa.
Europe is the continent that has most embraced this new practice, particularly in border countries such as Spain and Germany.
A survey conducted by the Jean Jaurès FoundationA survey made by the Jean Jaurès Foundation, consisted in knowing the number of days of "telework" wished in absolute.
At least one day during the week:
- 80% in Spain (+44 points compared to actual practice)
- 69% in Germany (+18 points)
- 74% in Italy (+24 points)
The average frequency of teleworking desired :
- 2.7 in Spain
- 2.2 days in Germany
- 2.4 days in Italy
The US follows closely behind Europe, " 59% of Americans who can telework are still 100% at home. "
Elon Musk may want to impose his way of doing things, but the American market is clearly following the global trend. In addition, the share of jobs offering telework increased by about 7% between January 2020 and 2021.
In contrast, Japan is one of the most reluctant countries to telework. However, the Japanese have had no choice but to reconsider. According to a study by economist Toshihiro Okubo In 2020, before the crisis, only 6% of Japanese were involved in telework. By the spring of 2020, 25% of Japanese employees were teleworking.
In contrast, South Africa is one of the countries that has strongly embraced telework, despite the risks associated with cyber security. According to Cio MagFollowing the covid-19 crisis, 57% of organisations in South Africa will continue to telework on a flexible basis. They believe that 31% believe that the remoteness has helped them gain more knowledge and resist social engineering attacks.
However, in other countries, telework is still governed by similar standards to those in France. Whether in the US or Germany, all are concerned about the smooth running of this flexible model.
In the health context of Covid-19, Luxembourg and Germany have decided to extend the amicable tax agreement on telework until June 30, 2022. Several states in the United States have also established laws to regulate telecommuting, including New Jersey, which encourages the practice. All departments and authorities will be required to offer a telecommuting program of at least two working days per week based on operational needs. Appointing authorities should make available flexible schedules and/or alternative work programs for employees who are not eligible to telework when operational needs permit.
In France, telecommuting has become the norm, and a new trend is emerging: "Workation". According to France Info, 35% of the 400 business leaders questioned by Opinionway for the startup Remoters - which facilitates the installation of employees abroad during a teleworking experience - declare themselves in favor of teleworking beyond our borders.
The principle is simple, you want to travel while working remotely, it is possible! You ask your employer for the possibility to go abroad, doing 100% telework. Thus, you have the possibility to have a working place adapted to your mobility, and this can last up to 1 year.
Beware, the workation cannot be applied to everyone.
- First of all, you must have a job that allows you to work completely remotely.
- Then, it is advisable that your activity does not require any particular equipment and/or too complicated to be superimposed abroad. Thus, it is essential to notify your employer of your "telework" stay, to have the necessary support.
The workation can be organized in different ways, and requires a process of accompaniment with your company.
- First, you can apply for a digital nomad visa in the country you want to visit.
- It will be necessary to have a valid passport and proof of a regular income. It is possible to apply directly online, or to go to the embassy of the country concerned.
- It is important that during your workation stays, you have the right environment to work and the necessary equipment to be productive. In order to meet these needs, several companies such as Holiworking or Woolibaz have started to accompany you during your telework abroad. They offer you a place where the employee can work, but also, they provide a referent who will facilitate the immersion in the country. On the employer's side, Holiworking or Woolibaz accompany the employee and the company on the regulatory and administrative aspect. This encourages and facilitates this type of initiative.
Many companies encourage "workation", as it would have a positive impact on the corporate culture. Jean Castex, former Prime Minister, has himself encouraged the practice of teleworking abroad in the context of the fight against the coronavirus.
Its instructive and cultural benefits are obvious, both for the employee and for the companies. Even though workation has been around for a long time, it has emerged as THE TREND in recent years, and has accelerated with the health crisis.
The employee can derive several benefits from this experience, which we already know well.
The employees are under less stress, "67% of the employees consider that it has allowed them to rest mentally. (According to passeport-photo.online).
And what better way to boost creativity than to discover new landscapes! Indeed, 81% of the people who have tested this way of working claim to have developed their creativity and 86% their productivity at work. One would tend to think the opposite, when in fact it is a way to get out of the daily routine.
Workation gives meaning to work, "84% of employees are more satisfied with their jobs" according to passeport-photo.online. Workation is a way of strengthening the corporate culture. This can encourage young talent to choose their company better. These young talents are looking for flexibility and the possibility to travel.
Furthermore, the most important point is related to the reduction of costs for the company. Still on the existing model of telework, the access to third places allows to reduce the size of the offices and thus to reduce considerably the rental charges
Finally, telecommuting reduces absenteeism within a company, which can have a strong impact on your business and your turnover.
Teleworking abroad is a growing issue in the world of work, and it is only allowed on a restricted basis. However, the way we perceive flexibility at work has progressed in France: many companies are interested and invested in improving well-being at work.
The services offered by Holiworking or Woolibaz are proof that this trend of workation tends to last and progress.
Given the trend of workation and the different actors actively involved, digital solutions such as BeeMyFlex are needed.
At BeeMyFlex, we sponsor this type of flexibility that brings both personal and work well-being. Business leaders, it is essential to participate in the emancipation of these new forms of work, because your company needs it to be competitive and to attract new talent!
Our BeeMyflex solution follows you #whereveryouare! We are here to guide you through these steps, both to manage telework and to streamline processes. Work organisation models are constantly changing. Our application is constantly adapting to support you in the best possible way, so do the same and ... take advantage of it to conquer the world! :)