What's the buzz about hybrid work in Germany?
Nearly a fifth of German firms have ended the home office setup. - Approximately 20% of businesses in Germany have rescinded work-from-home policies.
Remote work is on the rise, particularly in larger companies. According to recent findings, 71% of companies with 100 to 499 employees provide home office options, and this number climbs to 74% for companies with over 500 employees.
"Hybrid working models that include the possibility of working from home can be beneficial for both companies and employees," explains Bitkom President Ralf Wintergerst. The flexibility to work remotely can make all the difference in a tight job market, as 57% of surveyed companies believe that companies without home office options could face challenges in recruiting talented employees.
Almost half (46%) of the surveyed companies believe that the trend of recalling employees to the office is mainly aimed at getting rid of less motivated employees. Despite concerns that remote work may lead to decreased cohesion within the company (67%), 44% also believe that, on average, more productive work is achieved at home compared to the office.
Wintergerst adds, "The ongoing debate about remote work seems to have cooled down among companies." A significant 41% find it acceptable for employees to handle personal matters during work-from-home hours. "Productivity is not just about how many hours employees spend in front of their screens," Wintergerst elaborates. "Flexible work arrangements can provide a better work-life balance, often increasing productivity and generating better results."
Bitkom surveyed 602 companies with 20 or more employees for the study in March and April of this year. The survey results represent a cross-section of the German business landscape.
What's driving this ongoing shift?
As Germany embraces hybrid work arrangements, it's become a premium destination for remote work. With around 15% of current job postings offering hybrid or remote options, there's been a noticeable surge compared to pre-pandemic levels[1]. Bitkom, a noteworthy industry association, has positioned itself in support of this trend, advocating for the benefits of hybrid work models for attracting top talent in a competitive job market[1].
Key Takeaways
As Germany navigates this shift, there's an increasing need for digital solutions to support remote work, such as advanced document management systems and cybersecurity measures[3]. The positive attitude towards hybrid work models is reflected in the focus on leveraging flexibility to improve work-life balance and attract skilled workers. However, specific survey results on this topic from Bitkom were not found in the available information.
- One in five enterprises in Germany has abolished the traditional workplace, allowing for a home office setup again.
- In the labour market, companies that do not provide home office options may struggle to attract productive employees, as 44% of surveyed companies believe that more productive work is achieved at home compared to the office.
- Wintergerst, the President of Bitkom, emphasizes that productivity isn't solely about the number of hours spent working, but also about work-life balance, which can be achieved through flexible work arrangements like the home office.
- Science advocates that a well-managed hybrid work environment, incorporating factors like workplace-wellness and health-and-safety measures, can contribute to increased productivity and better results in finance and business.
- Bitkom's survey indicates that 41% of companies find it acceptable for employees to handle personal matters during work-from-home hours, a significant shift likely driven by the growing trend of hybrid or remote work in Germany.
