Abstract
The Covid pandemic has contributed to make remote working the ‘new normal’ across the globe. We have understood that the workplace is evolving and, as a consequence, we have to embrace and recognize this evolution. In particular, it is crucial to assess the impact of remote working on young people, which has both positive and negative aspects. In doing so, it is fundamental to tackle the issues linked to remote working and to promote the opportunities that come with it. The objective of this paper is that of increasing awareness and shedding light on the consequences of remote working. The methodology used is that of direct and indirect data collection. The former involves the creation and distribution of a survey to collect young people’s opinion. The latter involves extensive research of available information on remote work.
Introduction
The consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic are multifold and some will be long-lasting. During the first months of this health emergency, a new world has arisen. This paper will focus on the consequences – both issues and opportunities – of virtual work and will try, specifically, to assess its impact on youth (18-30 years old). As a starting point, it is necessary to clarify the huge dimensions that virtual work has gained. Such a phenomenon has forcibly become popular during the first months of 2020 because of the impossibility to work from offices. Even though such practice was not new “only 5.4% of employed in the EU-27 usually worked from home”[1] in 2019 but by the time full measures to contrast the spread of the virus were put in place such percentage raised to 40%.[2] However, the crucial aspect of virtual work is that it is here to stay. Several firms will rethink the way their employees will work, and being physically in the office will not be so common as it used to be before the beginning of the pandemic. From this point of view, Covid-19 has simply accelerated a process that was already taking place. This paper is divided into 6 sessions, each analysing a specific topic related to virtual work. The objective is that of giving an overview of what remote work is and its effect on youth.