Teleworking in the digital sector: no step backwards, but a clearer framework

Contrary to announcements that telecommuting is being called into question by a number of major groups (Société Générale, Amazon), returning to the office is not the norm in the digital sector. Numeum conducted a survey of its members to find out about their practices and the changes taking shape in our sector. The findings reveal that 75% of digital companies set 2 to 3 days per week. No step backwards, but a clearer framework.

In recent weeks, a number of companies – particularly large groups such as Société Générale and Amazon – have put an end to telecommuting. However, this trend towards a return to the office in some organizations is not general. To find out about actual practices in the digital sector, Numeum conducted a survey of its members. The survey, carried out between July 9 and 21 among HR managers and directors, yielded 285 responses, analyzed on the basis of a representative sample of companies by activity and size.

4 out of 5 digital companies had opted for teleworking by 2020

The survey reveals that even before the Covid crisis, the trend was for companies to increase teleworking. No less than 4 out of 5 companies in the sample implemented such an organization before 2020. Since then, telecommuting has grown to become a standard mode of operation.

In detail, 75% of companies have set up 2 to 3 days a week for their employees. And this applies regardless of activity or company size. Telecommuting is used by all types of employee. Only 40% of managers and CEOs use a single day away from the company premises. Overuse and abuse of telecommuting remain marginal.

Employee isolation, team cohesion, safety: points to keep in mind

The Webinar organized by Numeum“Teleworking in the digital sector: practices and points to watch out for” highlights the good knowledge of the rules linked to this mode of organization. The majority of companies surveyed have a charter or a unilateral decision by the employer. Between 30% and 40% of professionals go through renegotiation with social partners. Only 1 company in 6 operates on an “ad hoc” basis, with no clear institutional framework. This situation is encountered mainly in micro-businesses.

Thomas Lestavel, from Eunomie, reminds us “that the French Labor Code stipulates that telecommuting must be set up within the framework of a collective agreement or a charter drawn up by the employer after consulting the CSE. This agreement then specifies the rules governing this mode of organization.”

Maître Thomas Lestavel highlights 3 points to watch out for when telecommuting:

. Isolation of teleworking employees.

. Team cohesion and corporate life.

. Safety and the right to disconnect when teleworking.

He adds: “When it comes to the right to disconnect, the rules are clear. Even when away from the office, remote employees are still subject to employment law. They must not respond to professional solicitations outside working hours, or during rest periods, absences or vacations. In this context, managers and employers must continue to respect the time limits for availability. .”

2 to 3 days of teleworking on average for digital companies

Digital companies say they want to clarify the existing framework, make work safer, optimize productivity and recreate team cohesion. Numeum’s survey shows that 46% of them intend to modify their arrangements. In 60% of cases, a reduction in the number of teleworking days is planned (the average remaining between 2 and 3 days). On the other hand, 15% plan to increase the number of off-site days. Finally, 40% plan to introduce fixed days of office presence.

So, while telecommuting is not being called into question in the digital companies surveyed by Numeum, they are expressing a desire to secure current practices and adapt telecommuting to changing business needs. Companies are not questioning this organizational mode, but they do want to supervise, optimize and improve it.

So there’s no going back across the board. Companies are clarifying their rules. Telecommuting is thus becoming a sustainable organizational mode.

Members: “See the replay

Download the survey “Teleworking in the digital sector in 2025: practices and points of vigilance”.