The REMOTEMO project was envisaged to address the emergent needs of remote workers by fostering better management of teleworking conditions. Emphasising both intrapersonal (stress, anxiety, uncertainty) and interpersonal (social and familial relationships) management aspects, the project aimed to introduce smart working as a progressive model. This model integrates teleworking with new technologies, offering employees autonomy over their work locations and schedules, thus potentially enhancing work-family balance. The project's specific goals were to raise awareness of the mental effects of teleworking, promote emotional management, understand teleworking's implications, and ultimately increase job satisfaction in remote working settings.
The REMOTEMO project was launched in response to the widespread shift to teleworking triggered by the coronavirus pandemic. Recognised for sustaining employment during the crisis, remote working posed several challenges due to its rapid and widespread adoption. A Eurofound study in 2020 revealed that 48% of workers transitioned to working from home during the pandemic, a significant increase from 15% prior to it. This shift highlighted issues such as inadequate workspaces and the blending of work and home life, emphasizing the need for strategies to address the emotional and mental impacts of teleworking. The project sought to tackle these challenges by developing tools and training to support remote workers and their managers, ensuring mental and emotional well-being alongside maintaining performance and job satisfaction.