Work stoppages: what if teleworking was the solution?

Work stoppages represent a major challenge for companies, both economically and in terms of employee health. And that's not counting the worrying increase in the number of work stoppages, which makes their impact all the more significant, especially in the case of long stoppages. And what if we were to tell you that telecommuting was a relevant option for reducing this downtime? And yet, although it has many advantages, it requires proper management to be truly effective. Here's how.

Reducing stress and fatigue through teleworking

Stress remains one of the main causes ofwork stoppages in companies, and 45% of employees, according to a recent study by a mutual insurance company, cite work-related stress as a frequent cause of absenteeism. Working in a calmer, more controlled environment can improve employees' well-being, removing the risk of prolonged stress. The possibility of teleworking from home, in a shared workspace or in a coworking space, could reduce certain stress factors, linked to mental workload and travel. This flexibility offers a more comfortable working environment, with the opportunity to organize one's time and better combine personal obligations with professional life. In particular, telecommuting helps to avoid fatigue-inducing daily commutes, and to enjoy greater autonomy. In this respect, telework could play a significant role in reducing the number of work stoppages.

Preventing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs): a matter for coworking spaces

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are responsible for a significant number of work stoppages (37%), and are often caused by poor workstation ergonomics. This is a subject taken very seriously in companies, and even more so in flexible workspaces, which are redoubling their efforts to appeal to their members and offer the most comfortable workspaces.
Employees can adapt their workspace to their needs. What's more, they can benefit from advice from their hospitality manager, and ergonomic equipment to prevent these risks.
Some spaces go even further in the preventive aspect and provide resources and training on teleworking ergonomics to limit RSI.

Telecommuting: a balance between flexibility and work overload

While telecommuting can improve well-being by offering greater flexibility, it also entails risks associated with work overload. 40% of employees surveyed said they found it difficult to separate their professional and personal lives when teleworking. And this even from a coworking or flexible office space. This difficulty in disconnecting can lead to work overload, burnout, and therefore prolonged work stoppages.

Companies need to put measures in place to help employees manage this balance. It is advisable to introduce clear rules concerning working hours, and to encourage employees to take regular breaks, organize moments of disconnection and monitor workload. While some measures are the direct responsibility of the company, others can be delegated to a trusted partner.

Companies also need to maintain open communication, offering psychological support and personalized coaching for their remote employees, which can limit psychosocial risks.

Teleworking thus has real potential for limiting certain types of work stoppage, particularly those linked to stress or physical ailments. However, its effectiveness largely depends on the way it is implemented and the attention paid to managing work-life balance. From a coworking space, you can benefit from high-quality equipment and maintain social links between teams.