TELEWORK: A NEW WORK REGIME AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR THE LAW

Abstract

The world of work has undergone intense transformations, driven by technological advancements and increased internet access. With the arrival of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, marked by the integration of digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and automation, traditional forms of work organization have been profoundly modified. This movement was intensified by the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, which altered classical notions of time and space and consolidated telework as a modality widely adopted by companies in different sectors. Although telework was already practiced by some organizations before the pandemic, it was during this period that it expanded and gained social and economic relevance. However, this new work dynamic still lacks specific legislation that comprehensively regulates it, with its main guidelines being included in the Consolidation of Labor Laws (CLT), especially after the modifications introduced by the 2017 Labor Reform and, subsequently, by Law No. 14.442/2022. These regulatory gaps have generated legal and practical challenges for both employers and workers regarding the definition of working hours, productivity control, and the guarantee of labor rights. Given this scenario, this article adopts a bibliographic research methodology to understand the phenomenon of telework, aiming to analyze its historical evolution, the current situation, the legal implications, and the social repercussions arising from this form of work provision.