One of the most drastic changes the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the workplace is the massive increase in teleworking. And this might be a trend that sticks around long after the pandemic is in our rearview mirror.
This new report authored by Tania Saba, Sosina Bezu, and Murtaza Haider for Public Policy Forum details how this trend was forced to accelerate at the onset of 2020.
“While pre-pandemic only 13 percent of workers teleworked, by the end of March 2020, four in 10 Canadian workers were teleworking. Similarly, the share of businesses that had at least half of their workforce teleworking grew to 51 percent by August 2020 from 12 percent at the beginning of February,” the authors write.
Additionally, over half of workers express interest in teleworking if given the choice. Similarly, 30 percent of businesses anticipate they will allow at least half of their workforce to telework after the pandemic.
While this may be a convenient option available for some, what does this acceleration mean for those who do not have the ability or equal access to teleworking options?
Workers in knowledge-intensive industries, those who have a higher level of education, and urban workers are all more likely to telework. While there has been plenty of discussion and action around providing the physical equipment and technical support infrastructure for remote work, more attention needs to be given to the skills and wrap-around support needed for more workers to transition to and perform effectively in these distributed arrangements, the authors argue.
Addressing these inequalities within our new working arrangements will be crucial to ensuring a sustained recovery for all.
