T e l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n   n e t w o r k s   a n d   i t s  g l o b a l  i m p a c t   

Teleworking is an issue of considerable and increasing interest among the social partners, governments and European Union institutions, as well as more widely. The definition of teleworking can be difficult: telework is not a legal category, but a functional definition. Two elements, it seems, must go together for the definition of this form of work organisation: (a) the place of work must be somewhere other than the traditional workplace of the employer; and (b) telecommunications (computer, fax, telephone, satellite, disks, CD-ROM etc) must be used. The nature of the work involved in teleworking varies enormously from highly qualified to highly unskilled. The legal status of the teleworker also varies across and within countries - they may be employees, self-employed, homeworkers etc.

Teleworking has raised many expectations, ranging from energy savings and reduction of congestion to the diversification of employment in peripheral and rural areas. In fact, very little is known about its actual and potential risks and benefits. Recent findings about first experiences with teleworking can help us to get a better idea of its limitations and potential benefits.