The results of the research phase are ready!

The research phase of TeleGrow Project has confirmed that teleworking has come to stay. This new way of working has demonstrated that improves work-life balance, productivity and satisfaction of both employees and companies. Evidence indicates that companies and workers will continue to bet on this new way of working.

However, the spread of teleworking requires further improvements from both employees and employers, as it offers great opportunities and benefits. We are moving towards a hybrid way of working that requires strengthening digital skills and cultural changes linked to digital transformation.

During the research phase, the partners have analyzed the context of teleworking, the digital skills gap for those over 50 years of age, and the barriers and beliefs that will drive or limit the adoption of telework. The objective of the research phase has been to obtain valuable insights to develop a useful training tool to help employees over the age of 50 develop their digital skills and adapt effectively in the new reality of remote working.

On the one hand, research has shown that most countries have adapted their legislation to promote teleworking and guarantee the rights and duties of employees and employers, driven by the situation of the pandemic.

On the other hand, it has shown that employees over 50+ have fewer digital skills than younger employees and face more challenges in terms of acquiring these new skills, although it is important to highlight that they show proactivity and a good attitude towards upskilling.

Developing the digital skills of the EU workforce has become essential for employability and competitiveness. Therefore, the digital divide has driven the development of policies and programs at European and national level. According to our research, digital skills are essential to foster teleworking, but Soft skills are even more important for employers.

Research has delved into the digital and soft skills that are most important for teleworking and on which training should focus. And also, in a key aspect to overcome the 50+ digital divide, since we need good training materials with good learning strategies tailored for adult learners.

About 500 people have participated in this research: 257 VET Learners and employees, 229 VET Providers and Trainers, through surveys, and 34 enterprise representatives, through 6 focus groups, and it has been developed from March to August, 2021 by Florida as leading partner.

The results of this research will contribute to the development of the following phases of TeleGROW Project, that include the design of the TeleGrow Hub and learning materials using strategies that are more efficient for adults training, and thus improving the impact of the project.

• TeleGrow Final Report (English)

This document includes the analysis and conclusions of the research phase developed in TeleGrow project from March to August 2021 at Italy, Greece, France, Poland and Spain.