Exploring policy options on teleworking
Steering local economic and employment development in the time of remote work
This paper explores and classifies some of the most common policy options adopted
by national, regional and local policy makers in the context of or prior to the COVID-19
pandemic to enable, encourage and make the most of teleworking. It also considers
efforts to foster the attraction and retention of remote workers and entrepreneurs
in particular places. The current crisis represents, among other things, a mass experiment
in teleworking, unprecedented in size and scope. A shift towards large-scale, long-lasting
teleworking would have profound implications for the geography of local employment.
However, SMEs may be less equipped than larger firms to face this change. Public policy
can play an important role in turning teleworking into an opportunity for all, to
minimise the potential of widening pre-existing disparities between people, places
and firms.
Published on November 17, 2020Also available in: Italian
In series:OECD Local Economic and Employment Development (LEED) Papersview more titles