The MENTOR+ project had a clear set of objectives aimed at improving teleworking conditions for both employees and employers. At its core, the project sought to enhance teleworkers’ understanding and awareness of their overall well-being. This included increasing knowledge and promoting positive habits related to physical activity, mental health, and nutrition. The development of the MENTOR+ Web App was central to these efforts, providing a user-friendly, multilingual platform to deliver personalized guidance and support. For employers, the project aimed to offer tools and frameworks to help them adapt their organizational policies and management practices to better address the health and safety needs of remote workers. Additionally, MENTOR+ aimed to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among OSH stakeholders, creating a transnational network of professionals and organizations committed to innovation and the exchange of best practices. Ultimately, the project aspired to achieve a healthier, more sustainable work-life balance for teleworkers and to contribute to the overall productivity and resilience of remote working environments.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift to teleworking, exposing significant gaps in organizations’ ability to safeguard the physical and mental well-being of their remote workforce. Without proper ergonomic setups, teleworkers faced increased musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), while isolation heightened psychological risks like stress, anxiety, and burnout. Employers faced considerable challenges in adapting their policies to this new work paradigm, as they sought to maintain productivity while protecting their employees’ health and ensuring compliance with Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards. Recognizing these challenges, the MENTOR+ project was designed to address the critical need for a comprehensive and accessible solution to support the well-being of teleworkers. The project aimed to empower teleworkers with practical tools and resources to enhance their physical activity, mental health, and nutritional balance. At the same time, it sought to equip employers with innovative strategies to integrate well-being into their management practices, fostering healthier, more sustainable work environments. By addressing these dual needs, MENTOR+ provided a holistic response to the evolving dynamics of remote work.