Sometimes, major transformation trends need an external trigger to prove their validity. This is what recently happened with remote work during the global COVID-19 pandemic.

As international studies have already proven, the health crisis suddenly helped the adoption of remote work by most companies worldwide. Especially those that likely would never have implemented a home office policy, as they didn’t believe in working from home. And during several months of lockdown, the experience apparently changed the minds of many business leaders.

However, employers in Brazil must follow specific rules prescribed by national labor legislation, especially regarding interns and apprentices, where the situation appears delicate.

Positive Effects of Remote Work

Over the last four years, more companies have started allowing remote work. They discovered that employees were happier when given the option to work from home or the office, often called the “hybrid” model. Additionally, the “2017 State of Remote Work” report by Owl Labs showed another benefit: companies with remote-friendly options had 25% less turnover than those without.

Despite these benefits, a 2018 survey revealed that 44% of employees worldwide said their employers did not provide remote work options.

What Brazilians Say About Working From Home

The coronavirus pandemic greatly changed the work landscape, especially in Brazil. Research firm Gartner found that 77% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Brazil adopted home office policies during the pandemic, the highest rate among the markets analyzed.

“We observed that Brazil followed a global trend of rapid adaptation to remote work. Workers want to continue with this possibility, and companies will need to prepare for it,” said researcher Luca Rossi.

A study by the University of São Paulo, “Satisfaction and Performance in the Migration to Home Office,” showed that 70% of Brazilians wanted to continue working from home, despite challenges such as small living spaces in urban areas.

Brazilians Are Changing Habits

According to the study, reasons for the preference include reduced exposure to health risks, saved commuting time, and job security amidst economic instability. Companies like Nubank and BriviaDez embraced these changes, with BriviaDez even shifting to a “nomadic culture” where recruitment is now global.

What Brazilian Labor Legislation Says About Remote Work

Employers in Brazil must comply with specific labor laws. During the pandemic, Provisional Measures (PM 927) allowed remote work for all employees, including interns and apprentices. However, these measures expired in mid-July, requiring mutual agreements between employers and employees for remote work arrangements.

The rules for interns and apprentices remain unclear. While some argue that remote work for these groups is no longer allowed, others, like the Brazilian internship center Nube, suggest it’s possible if companies ensure conditions for learning, as required by law.