REFLECTIONS ON MANDATORY TELEWORKING

INDIVIDUAL’S CHALLENGES

Abstract

In March 2020, the world of labor relations stopped in the face of a global health crisis. Suddenly, work would only be possible for many people using digital tools. What was a choice in the past become mandatory for most professions. In this study, we discuss the characteristics and challenges of mandatory teleworking from individual perspective during he COVID-19 pandemic. The methodology used is qualitative, with a literature review and document analysis. The general objective of the paper is to present the literature on teleworking. The specific objectives are to conceptualize teleworking, to approach it from the individual's point of view, and to reflect on the increased use of teleworking in our society. Thus, the main characteristic of teleworking is autonomy, which presupposes a disciplined worker. During social isolation, the challenge of confinement put both disciplined and not disciplined individuals in the same position. Different ways must approach autonomy. The control and supervision of workers would be done without face-to-face interaction, and electronic supervision was a unique control. The challenges point to care with isolation and the need for social support.