Home-based telework in France: Characteristics, barriers and perspectives

•Home-based telework is a fairly restricted phenomenon in France but also one that lacks impetus.•Telework is mainly an informal working arrangement.•The main reasons are the uncertain advantages coupled with immediate disadvantages.•Without an exogenous shock, especially regarding commuting costs, telework is likely to remain as it is today.

The aim of this article is to explain the gap between high social expectations, particularly in terms of reducing commuting frequency, increasing productivity and improving work-life balance, and the reality of home-based telework. We use three French databases which give information about employers but also employees. We highlight that telework is not only a fairly restricted phenomenon but also one that lacks impetus; it is mainly an informal working arrangement. The main reasons raised by both employees and employers are the uncertain advantages coupled with immediate disadvantages. The conclusion examines different contextual factors that could alter this cost-benefits dilemma and foster the development of home-based telework.