Workplace Transformation: The Future of Home Office and Flexible Working
The modernization and digitization of the workplace have significantly accelerated during the coronavirus pandemic. Currently, half of all employees in Germany (50%) work either fully or partially from home or on the move. The desire for more flexible working hours and innovative forms of cooperation is growing, with employees uniting behind values such as free allocation of working time (95%), self-determination of individual performance and learning goals (95%), and meaningful work (91%). These desires reflect the widespread shift towards a more flexible and meaningful work culture.
Support for More Flexible Work
Employers are expected to take on social responsibility (91%) and promote equality and diversity (92%). Given the choice, nine out of ten employees (88%) would prefer to work at least partially from home after the pandemic, and eight out of ten (80%) would like a permanent position in a one-man office. Overall, the majority of workers (71%) believe mobile working should be used much more in Germany. These findings come from a representative survey commissioned by the digital association Bitkom, which interviewed more than 1,500 employees in Germany aged 16 and over.
Digitization of Work as an Opportunity
During the pandemic, the outlook on the digitization of work has continued to improve. More than eight out of ten employees (84%) see digitization as an opportunity for their professional situation. However, employees who are not allowed to work remotely, even if their job would permit it, report dissatisfaction with this limitation.
Desire for Remote Work Across All Job Types
Flexibility is also desired among those with jobs that require physical presence. Four in ten workers (44%) would opt for remote work if their job allowed it, while three in ten (29%) prefer not to work remotely. A quarter of employees in face-to-face jobs (23%) would like additional benefits such as extra vacation days or more self-determination when creating shifts.
The Future of Work: A Blend of Remote and In-Person
If the workforce had its way, the future of work would combine both mobile and face-to-face work. In the post-pandemic world, nine out of ten employees (88%) would prefer to work at least part-time from home. According to Bitkom president Achim Berg, “The new normal does not choose between classic face-to-face work and home office; it embraces both.”
The Role of Corona in Shifting Work Culture
The pandemic has not only accelerated the digitization of work but also sparked a cultural shift in leadership, collaboration, and workplace processes. Eight out of ten employees (79%) feel that their employer has trusted them more since the pandemic and has relied more on personal accountability. Three-quarters (74%) report becoming more open to digital technologies in the workplace.
Benefits of Mobile Work: Reduced Stress and Improved Work-Life Balance
The advantages of remote work are clear for the majority of employees. 85% of remote workers report feeling less stressed due to the elimination of daily commutes. 82% see the associated time savings as a positive aspect, while three-quarters (74%) report a generally better work-life balance.
Challenges of Working from Home
Despite the benefits, working from home also has its disadvantages. The most common downside is the lack of personal interaction with colleagues, with four out of ten employees (44%) citing this as a major issue. A fifth (19%) mention less contact with supervisors as a challenge. Other drawbacks include difficulties separating personal life from work (27%) and feeling disconnected from important information (25%).