While only 55% of Belgians are satisfied with their manager, that figure rises to 70% among those who are allowed to telework at least once a week – as is currently the case for about one in three Belgians.
Satisfaction is highest (70%) among employees who are allowed to telework for two to three days. Beyond four days, which is the exception, employees lose contact with their manager, and their level of satisfaction plummets.
"People who work from home benefit from their superior's trust, flexibility, autonomy and freedom to plan their tasks, all of which contribute to their satisfaction," said Kathleen Jacobs, business unit manager of legal consultancy at SD Worx.
After a period of observation, companies that did not have a teleworking policy have now laid down rules, while others that already had teleworking anchored in their routine have tightened up the rules a little.
Structure and supervision
There are no figures indicating that teleworking has led to more abuses. The aim is to prevent certain employees from taking too many liberties with hours and days by organising their working hours to suit their needs. Even if, in the end, the work gets done.
Therefore, it is important to look beyond individual issues, Jacobs said. "Agreements are useful, and the company can draw up a charter or policy with a clear framework (in consultation with the employees). It is essential, for example, to set time slots during which employees must be available and contactable. This can vary depending on the needs of the company, the team or the nature of the job."
At SD Worx, where workation (combining work and holidays) was recently introduced, the basic condition is to respect the working hours of the country of origin. As for those working in sales, they must be available at "normal" times to ensure contact with customers.
Employees who are teleworking every day, however, are less satisfied, SD Worx found. "This proves that a minimum of structure and supervision by the manager is necessary. Particularly for young people with no experience and new recruits who need support. Face-to-face, communication is more fluid and results increase much more quickly."
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However, while companies are not calling teleworking into question, they are finding it hard to get employees to come back to the office more often, Jacobs said. "But if the company gives good reasons for coming to the office (sharing a lunch, brainstorming, organising a meeting), they will be accepted."
Additionally, the manager – the central figure who guides the workers in the field while giving them the freedom and autonomy they need – must also be given sufficient support: more than four out of ten Belgians believe that leadership training can contribute to this.
With 55% of employees being satisfied with their boss, Belgium is slightly above the European average (53%), according to the annual survey conducted by SD Worx among 16,000 employees in 10 European countries.
