Luxembourg ranks among the top 10 countries in Europe with the largest number of remote workers
Helena Lopes, Unsplash
Remote working opportunities in Europe are regaining popularity in some industries, but employers face a number of risks and challenges. Offering the opportunity to work remotely has become an important tool for attracting talent, but employers must still consider the legal and financial implications, warn labour law experts at law firm Tan Ward.
According to Eurostat, 8.9 per cent of employees in Europe will work remotely in 2023, and this figure is even higher in countries such as the UK, the Netherlands and the Nordic countries. In 2024, the largest number of new remote positions is expected to be in small and medium-sized companies (up to 250 employees) in Germany, the UK and the US. The main sectors where remote working is prevalent are technology, media and information services.
Countries with the largest number of remote workers
- Finland - 21.7%
- Ireland - 21.4%
- Sweden - 14.3%
- Belgium - 14.3%
- Germany - 12.9%
- Netherlands - 12.7%
- Luxembourg - 12.7%
- Estonia - 12%
- Malta - 14.3%
- Austria - 10.9%
Employers should be careful when allowing employees to work from other countries, as this may entail additional taxes and legal problems. Even temporary work trips abroad can create risks of violating immigration laws. Experts recommend carefully analysing each situation to avoid unforeseen liabilities.
Research shows that burnout rates are about the same among employees who work remotely, hybrid or in the office (24%-27%). However, setting clear expectations and goals, as well as recognition, can significantly improve employee wellbeing, regardless of their workplace.
