> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://efj.gitbook.io/journalists-working-from-home/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://efj.gitbook.io/journalists-working-from-home/part-1-general-principles-of-home-office-and-telework/compulsory-or-voluntary.md).

# Compulsory or voluntary?

According to the replies received for the survey, teleworking is compulsory in about half the respondent countries.

![](/files/-MlL-N7UPO7cRDvjE4qS)

These replies have to be put in the context of the various special situations related to the Covid-19 pandemic that still exist in several countries: many western European countries went through a transition from compulsory telework to more flexible arrangements in the first half of 2021, at the time of the drafting of the present survey. It would be interesting to follow-up this particular point in 2022, provided the main pandemic will be over.