Benefits and Challenges of Teleworking for a Sustainable Future: Knowledge Gained through Experience in the Era of COVID-19

Abstract

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, working from home has become the norm for millions of workers worldwide. The purpose of this research was to analyze the benefits and challenges of teleworking in the administrative sectors (except Telehealth Services) of Greek healthcare units with a view to harnessing the knowledge gained through experience, in order to create a frame for sustainable behaviors. Complex and dynamic changes, from both a technical and behavioral aspect, are required to implement teleworking. Therefore, a systematic literature review (SLR) as well as primary quantitative research were used as research methods. The purpose of the SLR was to identify the existing scientific literature. Then, combined with the results of the quantitative research, the data were analyzed, described, and interpreted, and then summarized in the conclusion. In addition, the research was conducted to identify the relationships between telecommuting and organizational behavior, in order to achieve sustainable development in businesses. Moreover, an important positive aspect of telework that emerged from this literature review is the creation of opportunities for potential direct or indirect linkages between telework and many sustainable development goals (SDGs), based on the fact that telework appears to be a community-friendly form of work. In summary, this research strongly suggests that leaders facilitate telecommuters to adopt green practices and volunteerism that can consequently contribute to the SDGs. However, in order to meet the challenges arising from unprecedented times, the leaders of the organizations should redesign their policies, while governments should focus on guaranteeing the rights and freedoms of the workers.

Sustainable Healthcare Quality and Job Satisfaction through Organizational Culture: Approaches and Outcomes

“…This reciprocal relationship underscores the importance of rewards-not just in monetary terms, but also in the form of job satisfaction that stems from a supportive and appreciative work environment. Such satisfaction becomes more than just a feeling; it evolves into a lifestyle where the employees' commitment to their roles significantly contributes to greater organizational productivity [2,22].…”

Sustainable Approaches to Medical Tourism: Strategies for Central Macedonia/Greece

“…The climate exhibits notable temperature fluctuations, with January and February as the coldest months and July and August as the warmest. Rainfall occurs in autumn, early winter, and spring, with mountainous regions experiencing colder winters and coastal areas displaying milder Mediterranean climates [23,[32][33][34].…”

“…These data inform future labor market and educational needs, the purchasing power of various population groups, and their geographic distribution. The connection with sustainability factors lies in recognizing that sustainable development involves understanding and addressing demographic changes in a way that supports long-term economic, social, and environmental well-being [33].…”

“…The UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals represent a continuum of reflections, commitments, and collaborative actions aimed at eradicating poverty and hunger, upholding the human rights of all individuals, fostering gender equality, empowering women and girls, and ensuring the sustainable preservation of the planet and its natural resources. Sustainable development is a dynamic and ever-evolving concept that emphasizes meeting the current generation's needs without compromising the well-being of future generations [33,35,63,64].…”

“…Specifically, social sustainability involves the quality of an organization's relationships with its stakeholders. Within this framework, medical tourism holds the potential to advocate for transformations that align with some of the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals [33,35,63]. These particular goals encompass social, economic, and environmental objectives aimed at improving human well-being and environmental health.…”