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IDC Forecasts Teleworking Rocketing as European Companies Embrace Remote Working

AMSTERDAM, October 25, 2001- According to IDC, the number of teleworkers in Europe is expected to grow explosively from 10 million in 2000 to more than 28.8 million in 2005.
Today, most Western European countries have accepted this new method of working because it enhances business competitiveness, productivity and working conditions.

Over 45% of the mobile workers and telecommuters (teleworkers) are employed by large and very large companies, mostly in the business services, finance and health sectors.
IDC defines a mobile worker as an individual who spends at least 20% of his working hours away from home, main place of work, or both. Telecommuters, on the other hand, are employees who are working from home at least one day a week (assuming a five-day work week). IDC expects the number of mobile workers to grow from 6.2 million in 2000 to more than 20.1 million in 2005. The number of telecommuters will increase from 3.8 million in 2000 to 8.7 million in 2005.

According to IDC, the number of teleworkers in Western Europe varies widely among countries, vertical markets and company size. "This is the result of different regulatory frameworks, laws, collective agreements, individual agreements, corporate and national culture, and company values," said Romolo Pusceddu, senior analyst for IDC's European Data Communications program. "The concept of teleworking has not been incorporated into legislation, nor is there a standard transnational definition of it. However, the majority of the Western European countries do recognize mobile and remote working method as a necessary development that balances the work of an employee with his private life."

Denmark, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands and Finland have the highest number of telecommuters and mobile workers as a percentage of total white collar workers. Low cost technologies, legislative frameworks and corporate culture are some of the main drivers within these countries. By contrast, the Southern European countries such as Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece have a very low number of telecommuters and mobile workers when compared to their total white collar work force. In these countries, bureaucratic, complicated and centralized institutional structures are the inhibitors for the development of freer forms of telework.

In this new study, Western European Teleworking: Mobile Workers and Telecommuters, 2000-2005 (IDC #25698), IDC analyses the total mobile workers and telecommuters market and makes forecasts by vertical industry, company size and country for the period 2000-2005. IDC also provides market sizing and forecasts for the 15 countries of the European Union. This study is available for purchase from your local IDC office or via http://www.emea.idc.com.

About IDC
IDC is the foremost global market intelligence and advisory firm helping clients gain insight into technology and ebusiness trends to develop sound business strategies. Using a combination of rigorous primary research, in-depth analysis, and client interaction, IDC forecasts worldwide markets and trends to deliver dependable service and client advice. More than 550 analysts in 43 countries provide global research with local content. IDC's customers comprise the world's leading IT suppliers, IT organizations, ebusiness companies, and the financial community. Additional information can be found at www.idc.com.

IDC is a division of IDG, the world's leading IT media, research and exposition company.

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