What is the meaning of telework? What is “tele” in telework?

The world has been hit hard by the coronavirus, and telework is recommended in Japan as well. In addition, in November 2020, the telework implementation rate for companies with more than 10,000 employees exceeded 45%. (Quote: Persol Research Institute , December 16, 2020 article )

Partly due to the promotion of work style reform led by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (quoted: “Towards the realization of ‘work style reform’” Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare / official website ), telework is becoming the new normal of work style.

However, many people may not have a clear understanding of what telework is.

In this article, we will explain the meaning and benefits of telework, as well as services that are useful for telework.

If you are worried about introducing telework, please refer to this article and consider introducing telework.

What is telework?

Telework is a flexible work style that utilizes information and communication technology (ICT) and is not restricted by location or time.

In a nutshell, it’s “work where you like, how you like” .

It is a way of working that eliminates the conventional stereotype of “going to work in the office” and working from home, cafes, or other places of your choice. Due to the impact of the new coronavirus, it is attracting attention as a new normal of work styles.

What is “tele” in telework?

“Tele” in telework means “tele = remote place” .
The word telework itself is a coined word that combines “tele” and “work”.

Types of telework

Telework can be broadly divided into three types: telecommuting, mobile work, and satellite offices.

Advantages of transitioning to telework

Able to balance personal life and work

By transitioning to telework, there will be no need to travel to work.
Employees will be able to balance their private life and work, which can be expected to improve their motivation for work and reduce the turnover rate.

Reduce expenses

By introducing telework, it is possible to reduce employee transportation costs and utility costs such as lighting and air conditioning.

Minimize the impact of accidents

In the past, when disasters such as earthquakes and fires occurred, businesses stopped because they could not go to the office.

However, by shifting to telework, you can work without going to the office, so you can continue your business even in the event of a disaster.

Disadvantages of migrating to telework

Difficult to switch work ON/OFF

The first advantage is that you can balance your personal life and work.
However, as a disadvantage that is two sides of the same coin, it is difficult to switch work ON / OFF.

Specifically, there are adverse effects such as it being difficult to get into work mode when there is a family, and that time management at home is lax and it is easy to work long hours.

a security risk

When transitioning to telework, you have to connect to a local network such as your home or cafe network. That’s where the security risk comes in.

Pay close attention to whether there are any information security risks when working mobile at a cafe.

Services useful for telework

Attendance management/labor management system

The attendance management system is an online system for inputting working hours and grasping overtime hours.

In addition, since the attendance management system is equipped with a report function, there is no need for input work.

A labor management system is a system that combines personnel management, which manages the hiring and dismissal of employees, and attendance management, which manages compliance with rules such as work regulations and the Labor Standards Act.

In-house SNS and chat tools

In-house SNS and chat tools are tools that promote communication within the company using chat functions and group functions, and facilitate information sharing.

Web conferencing system

A web conferencing system is a tool that allows you to hold meetings using software on your PC or a browser.

It can be introduced at a relatively low cost, and meetings can be held anywhere there is an internet connection. Therefore, it is attracting attention as a very useful tool that allows you to hold meetings at your favorite place without moving during the corona crisis.

remote access tools

A remote access tool is a service that allows you to access and remotely control internal PCs and systems from external devices (home PCs, etc.).

When starting telework, it is recommended to introduce a remote access service because it is necessary to have an environment where you can access and remotely control your company’s PCs and systems.

summary

This time, I explained the meaning of telework, the benefits of introducing telework, and the services that are useful for telework.

Please consider introducing telework with reference to this article.