Within weeks, that figure exploded as social distancing forced companies to launch telework schemes.

Objective: Flexible work arrangements such as telework are gaining importance.

Agencies are also encouraged to extend telework to people whose children are off school.

Read more To do this, she said businesses should consider replacing in-person meetings with telework.

Non-essential travel should be minimized, telework should be encouraged, and common areas in offices closed.

They should design telework in a way that it reduces the triggers for self-endangering behavior.

Vulnerable Despite such potential benefits, however, telework and other flexible work programs remain vulnerable when times get tough.

As empirical evidence is still scarce, we explore the relationship between home-based telework and sickness presenteeism across Europe.

Employers permitting telework on a regular basis rose to 33% from 31%.

It is also unlikely to be representative of how companies and employees will use telework when the health crisis abates.

This could include "telework" arrangements for congressional staff, according to a separate communication from the House Administration Committee.

Conclusion: Although sickness presenteeism can be functional for specific illnesses, organizations should be aware of possible risks related with home-based telework.

Unless you work in public safety, or are an essential employee, remain at home or telework, the governor wrote on Twitter.

The key to success Even with clear policies permitting telework, it often takes a proactive boss to make it a success.

State Street has developed guidelines to fit various countries' local employment laws but finds interest in telework varies by culture, Germain said.

For some people, telework may actually do little to reduce exhaustion and stress -and could even prove to be more taxing.