The world of work has changed, and with it, employees' demands on their employers have grown. In an era of increased home office working, it is becoming increasingly important to maintain employee satisfaction and ensure that the workforce remains motivated and engaged. The solution? Modern employee benefits tailored specifically to the needs of the home office. In this article, you'll learn how companies can easily offer their employees attractive additional benefits, even in the home office.
Leveraging digital employee benefits in the home office
Working from home undoubtedly brings several advantages, such as flexibility and time savings. At the same time, however, it also brings new challenges and demands in terms of employee satisfaction. This is where digital employee benefits come into play. These contemporary additional benefits enable companies to show their employees recognition and appreciation even when they are remote.
Digital employee benefits are easy to access and offer a variety of benefits that meet employees' needs and preferences. These benefits are not only financially attractive, but also easy to integrate into everyday work. Companies can thus ensure that the workforce enjoys the benefits they deserve.
Tax-free benefits in kind
Tax-free non-cash compensation is one of the most popular benefits among employees. Digital vouchers offer a flexible and cost-efficient way to reward employees, even in the home office. Companies can send their employees vouchers on a regular or one-off basis for various occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries or special achievements. Whether for online shopping, streaming services, delivery services or other digital offerings, the choice is diverse and can be adapted in many ways to the individual preferences of employees.
What makes this approach even more attractive is the tax side. This means that both employers and employees benefit from this form of recognition. Employees receive a reward without deductions, and companies can claim this for tax purposes.
Digital meal allowance
The digital meal allowance has proven to be an extremely popular and practical option in the home office. In times when going to the canteen or having lunch with colleagues is no longer an option, this modern benefit solution still allows employees to benefit from a discounted lunch.
Instead of paper meal vouchers, meal receipts can simply be uploaded via app. Reimbursement is then made as part of the payroll process. This means employees have the freedom to enjoy their lunch at a restaurant of their choice or conveniently order from delivery services. Even the receipt for the snack bar next door or the supermarket visit can simply be scanned and uploaded. It gives them the freedom to decide flexibly and individually how to use their food budget.
50 Euro internet flat rate
The Internet flat rate is an extremely helpful benefit option in the home office. At a time when a reliable Internet connection is a basic requirement for efficient work, this flat rate can significantly help employees cover their Internet costs more easily.
One of the biggest benefits of this digital benefit is flexibility. Employees can use the allowance to pay their monthly Internet costs whether they work from home or are on the road. This approach considers the changing demands of the working world and the increasing importance of remote working.
Conclusion:
Employee benefits in the home office: The key to employee satisfaction. In the age of the home office, modern employee benefits are becoming increasingly important. Companies that make good use of these benefits can not only increase employee satisfaction, but also enhance their attractiveness as an employer.
Tax-free benefits in kind, digital meal allowances and flat-rate Internet allowances are examples of innovative benefits that work particularly well in the home office. Not only do they offer employees more flexibility, but they also make administration easier for employers. Companies that use these benefits skillfully will not only benefit from more motivated employees, but also strengthen their position in the competition for skilled workers. Modern employee benefits in the home office are a win-win situation for employers and employees alike.
For more information on modern employee benefits, visit Probonio.
Autumn is here, and with it comes the cool temperatures and earlier onset of darkness. While some of us love the colorful leaves and cozy evenings at home, the autumn season can be challenging in the home office. The temptation to snuggle up in warm blankets and put off working is strong. But with a few smart tips, you can make the cool and chilly autumn home office season productive and cozy.
1. Create a cozy work environment:
Start by making your workspace autumnal. This doesn't mean you have to remodel your entire office, but a few small changes can make a big difference. Go for warm colors, comfy pillows and blankets. An autumn tablecloth or candles can also create a cozy atmosphere.
2. Invest in good lighting:
As the days get shorter in autumn, good lighting is crucial. Natural light is ideal, but if that's not possible, invest in a high-quality desk lamp. Warm, dim lighting can lift your mood and increase productivity.
3. Take advantage of breaks for fresh air:
Even if it's cold outside, don't let that stop you from getting some fresh air. Taking short walks during your lunch break or between work sessions can work wonders and help clear your head.
4. Plan your day:
A structured daily schedule is especially important in autumn, as darkness sets in earlier and motivation can easily wane. Set clear goals for the day and schedule breaks to recover.
5. Dress warmly and comfortably:
It's tempting to work in your pajamas all day, but that can hurt productivity. Instead, dress warmly and comfortably to feel energized and ready to work.
6. Use technology to improve working conditions:
Modern technology can help you better manage the fall home office season. Invest in a good heater or electric blanket to ward off the cold. A humidifier can help combat dry air and protect your health.
7. Plan for social interactions:
In autumn, many people tend to keep to themselves. However, don't forget to schedule social interactions. Virtual coffee breaks with colleagues or video calls with friends can brighten lonely days and keep you social.
8. Enjoy autumnal delights:
Autumn is the perfect time to indulge in autumnal snacks and drinks. A cup of hot tea, a homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte or a slice of pumpkin pie can sweeten the workday.
Conclusion:
Fall home office time can be a cozy and productive time if you prepare for it well. Make your work environment cozy, make sure you have enough light, and structure your day carefully. Don't forget to take breaks and socialize. With these tips, you'll be able to enjoy autumn in your home office and work efficiently at the same time.
Working from home has numerous advantages, but during the summer months, it can be challenging to keep a cool head. The heat and the lack of separation between work and personal life can have a negative impact on your productivity and well-being. However, don't worry! With a few simple tips and tricks, you can maintain a cool head even in high temperatures. Here are some recommendations that can help:
Create a comfortable work environment:
Start by optimizing your workspace. Ensure that your desk is well-organized and that you have enough space to work comfortably. Make sure your office chair is ergonomic and that you have good air circulation. Keep your workspace tidy and free from unnecessary items to create a pleasant atmosphere.
Utilize natural ventilation:
If possible, open windows and doors to let fresh air into the room. Good ventilation helps regulate the temperature and improve air quality. Use fans if needed to increase airflow and provide cooling. If you have access to a balcony or garden, consider taking your work breaks there to enjoy fresh air and refresh yourself.
Stay adequately hydrated:
It is crucial to keep your body well-hydrated in high temperatures. Make sure to drink enough water throughout the day. Keep a water bottle within reach and refill it regularly. You can also prepare refreshing beverages like lemonade or iced tea to cool down. However, avoid excessive consumption of caffeinated drinks as they can dehydrate you.
Plan your work hours wisely:
Take advantage of the cooler hours of the day to focus on your work. Early mornings or late evenings are often more pleasant for productivity when outdoor temperatures are lower. Adjust your work hours to align with your personal energy and concentration levels, and take regular breaks to refresh yourself.
Adapt clothing and materials:
Opt for lightweight and breathable clothing that helps you stay cool. Avoid tight or heavy garments that restrict your movement and make you sweat even more. Additionally, use light and breathable office supplies such as paper or pens to minimize the feeling of heat.
Remember to listen to your body and attend to your needs. If you feel overheated or notice signs of dehydration, take short breaks to cool down and restore balance.
By implementing these simple tips, you can keep a cool head and remain productive in the home office despite the heat. Adapt and customize them according to your individual needs. Stay cool and enjoy the benefits of working from home!
In recent years, the world of work has changed dramatically, and with it, home office has become an increasingly popular option. While the flexibility and convenience of working from home offers many benefits, it also comes with challenges, especially for your health. One of the most important aspects that is often overlooked is the importance of ergonomic furniture in the home office. In this article, we take a look at the impact of ergonomic furniture on your health and how it can help you work productively and pain-free.
Why is ergonomics important in the home office?
The term "ergonomics" refers to the design of workplaces that adapts to the natural movements of the human body. The goal is to reduce strain, stress and injuries that can result from repetitive movements and poor posture. In the home office, many people spend hours in front of a screen, and without proper ergonomic set-up, this can lead to various health problems, including:
How does ergonomic furniture support your health?
Tips for an ergonomic home office
Conclusion
Ergonomic furniture plays a crucial role in your home office health. By ensuring correct posture and reducing strain, you can not only work more productively, but also improve your long-term health and well-being. Invest in high-quality ergonomic furniture, design your workplace efficiently and don't forget to take regular breaks and exercise. Your body will thank you and you will find that you can work even more effectively and motivated in your home office.
Working from a home office has many advantages, such as flexibility and the ability to design your own work environment. However, it can also be difficult when children are present in the household.
Today we would like to give you some tips on how you, as a parent, can work efficiently in a home office, even when the kids are at home.
1. Create a daily schedule
Create a plan for your work every day. Divide your work into smaller tasks and schedule them for the day. This way you can focus on one task and avoid getting distracted. Also, set fixed work hours and communicate them with your partner and children.
2. Create a working environment
Create a separate workspace where you can work in peace. Also inform your children that you are working and do not want to be disturbed. Wearing headphones is also an easy way to help you concentrate better.
3. Set realistic expectations
Set realistic expectations for your work and be careful not to overextend yourself. It is important that you prioritize and focus on the important tasks. Also, give yourself enough time for breaks and to take care of your children.
4. Take advantage of your lunch break
Use your lunch break to make time for your children. Spend time together, play with them or have lunch together. This way you can better plan your work time and also strengthen your relationship with your children.
5. Communicate with your partner
It is important to talk to your partner about your work schedule and your needs. Discuss who will take care of the children when you have to work and plan your working hours together. This way you can better focus on your work and also have time for your family.
6. Take advantage of the time with your children
It can also be a chance to spend time with your children when you work in a home office. Use your breaks to play with your children or to cook together. This way, you can strengthen your relationship with your children and also reduce stress.
7. Be flexible
Be flexible and adjust your work schedule when necessary. Your children may need attention or unforeseen events may arise. Take the time to care for your family and adjust your work schedule accordingly.
Overall, there are many ways to work efficiently as a home office parent, even when the kids are home. However, it does require a certain amount of planning, organization and flexibility.
It’s important not to overextend yourself and set realistic expectations. Communicate with your partner and children to find a suitable solution together. Also, use time with your children to strengthen the relationship and relieve stress.
If you follow these tips, you can find a good balance between work and family and work successfully in a home office.
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The pandemic has resulted in many people being forced to work from home. Working from home has many benefits such as flexibility, time and cost savings, but it also has its challenges.
One of the biggest challenges is the loneliness that many people experience in the home office. Today, we’re going to look at home office loneliness and some ways to combat it.
Loneliness in the home office
Loneliness can manifest itself in a number of ways, but it can be particularly severe in the home office, where social contact is often kept to a minimum. Working alone all day and having no face-to-face interactions can leave you feeling isolated and disconnected. This can lead to feelings of sadness, depression and anxiety. It can also affect motivation and productivity.
What to do about loneliness in the home office
1. Create structure and routine
One of the best ways to combat home office loneliness is to create a structure and routine for the day. Having a clear structure can help you feel more focused and productive. It’s also important to make time for breaks and leisure activities to relax and unwind.
2. Communicate regularly with others
It’s important to communicate with others regularly to feel connected to the outside world. Use digital technologies such as video calls, chats, and social media to stay in touch. You might also consider organizing virtual coffee breaks or lunches with colleagues or friends.
3. Look for opportunities for social interactions
Just because you work in a home office doesn’t mean you can’t have social interactions. Look for opportunities to connect with others, such as attending online events, virtual conferences, or work groups.
4. Get outside
Sometimes it can be helpful to simply take a walk outside. It’s important to get out and move regularly to clear the mind and activate the body.
5. Consider working with others
Another way to combat loneliness in the home office is to seek collaboration with others. You could network with other freelancers or businesses and form a collaboration to work together on projects. This can help you feel like you’re part of a community and share common goals.
Conclusion
Overall, home office loneliness is a common challenge that many people experience. However, there are several ways to combat this loneliness.
Creating a structure and routine, communicating regularly with others, and seeking opportunities for social interactions are some effective strategies for feeling connected and motivated. Working with others can also help reduce feelings of isolation.
It is important for everyone to individually figure out what strategies work best for them to combat home office loneliness and find a healthy balance between work and social interactions.
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The cold and wet season doesn’t exactly make it easy for us to get out of bed early in the morning, get ready and drive to the office. How good it is to have the option of working from a home. The only question is who will pay for the heating, equipment, etc.?
Since spring, companies are no longer obliged to let their employees work from home, but some companies continue to offer this option. The IFO Institute estimates that one in four employees in Germany still works from home. In some industries, the number is even higher.
Particularly in winter, employees appreciate the option of working from home, as it saves them the way to the office, which can become a real challenge due to icy roads, snowfall and train delays.
But what about the actual legal regulations for working from home?
The terms at a glance: Home office, telework and mobile working.
So far, mobile working has not been clearly regulated by law in Germany. Thus, the colloquial term “home office” is often used.
In contrast, telework is clearly defined. This means that work with fixed working hours takes place outside the company at a fixed workstation, which is usually located within the employee’s own four walls. Precise requirements apply, which are regulated by the Workplace Ordinance.
If the above-mentioned characteristics are fulfilled and corresponding conditions are agreed upon, it is a case of telework. In this case, the employer must comply with the legal regulations on telework. Detailed regulations on the implementation of home office can result from the collective agreement or a company agreement.
If one works partly in the office and partly in the home office or on the road, one speaks of alternating telework, since the employee does not work from a fixed location. For example, the work can also be done in a coworking space, on the train or from a hotel.
What does a home office minimum equipment look like?
According to Verdi, the employer is obligated to equip the employee with a home office workstation – at the company’s expense. In addition to furniture, this also includes other office materials and suitable telecommunications technology, including software and hardware. This can also include computers, telephones, headphones and cameras. The costs of any maintenance and repairs are also borne by the employer.
According to the Confederation of German Employers’ Associations, the employer may not demand that employees use their private devices for work unless this has been agreed with the employees in advance. Regardless of which devices are ultimately used, data protection and data security must always be guaranteed.
What should the workplace in the home office legally look like?
In addition to ergonomic equipment, accident prevention regulations and occupational safety naturally also play an important and central role. The employer has a duty to ensure this. It is important to ensure that sufficient space and ventilation and heating options are available. A risk assessment, which in the best case is carried out by each employee on the instructions of the management, can help to uncover and eliminate possible risks. The employer does not have a general right of access to the private home.
In larger companies, there is a works council that can provide support in the design and implementation of home office regulations. In addition, a works agreement can contain home office regulations.
Does the employer contribute to the costs incurred in the home office?
This can be agreed between employer and employee on an individual basis. According to Verdi, if there is neither an agreement nor a collective bargaining agreement nor a works agreement, it depends on the overall circumstances. The employee has a legal right to reimbursement of his additional costs, provided that the employer’s interest in performing work in the home office outweighs. In this regard, there is a case law of the Federal Labor Court on the reimbursement of expenses for home office.
The more employees work from home, the fewer costs are incurred by the employer in the company. This is what makes home office work so attractive to many employers. If disagreements do arise between the two parties, employees can enforce the right to application replacement in the labor court.
I can just go to the company if it is too cold at home, right?
If the employer gives the employee the option to work from home or at the office, you can of course also do the work at the office. The same applies if your home office agreement includes a right of return to the office. In any case, you should make an arrangement with your employer for the costs incurred (electricity, heating, pro rata rent, telephone, etc.) in home office and write it down.
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* Source: NTV
Companies have so much to do when it comes to winning the competition for the best talent and to bind them to the company in the long term.
Nearly one in four office employees is dissatisfied and can list a number of points of criticism. That’s according to a survey commissioned by technology company Slack. Of the 2,090 respondents (late October/early November 2022), 6% have specific intentions to change the job.
But what are the most common reasons for changing jobs?
A full 82% of respondents cited lack of pay as a reason to change, followed by an unhealthy work-life balance (74%) and dissatisfaction with their supervisor (72%).
What is surprising, however, is the fact that around 29% of the 2,000 people surveyed by Yougov would be willing to move to another city for a suitable job offer. Popular cities are Hamburg, Munich, Berlin, Frankfurt and Cologne.
Home office is becoming increasingly popular
Many office workers no longer want to come into the office every day. A mix of office and mobile working would be in line with the times for 56% of those surveyed. Working exclusively in the office would be an option for 20% of respondents, while 18% would work exclusively from home or on the road.
Another Future Forum Pulse survey found that inflexible return to office policies not only negatively impact the employee experience, but also employee turnover. More than 10,000 employees from the U.S., Australia, France, Germany, Japan and the U.K. participated in the survey.
Yougov’s survey found that employees in technical positions (1,090 of those surveyed) are significantly less likely to have intentions to change or feel dissatisfaction in their jobs. They are the ones who would be willing to move to another city and value a hybrid or mobile workplace.
Oliver Blüher (Head of Central Europe at Slack): “If companies want to stand a chance in today’s competition for the best talent, they have to offer flexible working conditions and the appropriate digital infrastructure.
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* Source: NDR
The big question on the table is: Should employees be allowed to continue working from their home offices or do they have to go back to the office?
Many company leaders disagree on this question. Some (such as Tesla and Twitter CEO Elon Musk) insist on office presence, while others recognize that office presence is not necessary in every case. A shift in thinking is taking place, not least as a result of the experiences of the last few pandemic years. Companies are increasingly realizing that working from home can work well if they learn to trust their employees. Trust and connectedness are more important than ever.
As a result of the pandemic, many company leaders were forced to send their employees to the home office from one day to the next. For many company leaders, this working model was completely new and posed challenges in its implementation. Especially since they no longer had full control over their employees. However, they had no choice but to learn to trust their employees. In the end, even the biggest doubters were able to put aside their prejudices about working from home, as they noticed that their employees were significantly more productive in the home office, as they were able to work in a self-determined manner.
Some companies (e.g. the energy company RWE) rely on trust-based working hours. This means that employees decide for themselves when they work. They have recognized that as a company you have to move with the times and become more modern if you want to attract young people to the company. However, it is important that employees take care not to work more hours despite this freedom. Many trade unionists are critical of the danger of “extra work”.
So should employees rather go back to the office?
This question should be considered from different points of view. There are employees who commute every day and accept a long drive to the office just to be present in the office. This only makes sense if the presence is urgently needed to carry out the work. Certainly, most companies cannot do without an office presence. But an employee-friendly solution can be found for this as well.
Gunnar Kilian (Volkswagen board member), for example, reports that the company made a digital push when the pandemic hit. They realized that they wanted to work more creatively together as a team in presence in the future. Judith Wieso (Siemens board member) reports something similar. She believes that people need to exchange ideas directly wherever cooperation and creativity are required. Zvezdana Seeger (Labor Director RWE) adds that first meetings were personal and emotional and gave them a creative boost.
One has learned from the last 3 pandemic years and does not want to fall into old patterns. Today, many companies offer their employees much more flexibility on the job. Team members decide jointly with their managers who comes into the office and when. If flexibility in location is out of the question, there should be flexibility in time for employees. However, not every company manager knows how to implement this in a target-oriented manner. Here, one should consciously rely on the personal responsibility of the employees. A regular exchange with team members is important, especially if you are new to the company. This is often underestimated, but it is important in cooperation.
As Fränzi Kühne (Chief Digital Officer Edding) said so well: “Corporate culture is created at the coffee machine.” It’s where team members can talk to each other, both professionally and privately.
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New Work is currently on everyone’s lips and is seen by many as the answer to the demands of the modern working world. It is hoped that this will lead to more flexibility, fewer hierarchies and participation in decision-making. However, this requires a genuine cultural change in companies.
Many still have misconceptions about New Work. The term is often associated with trendy start-ups, where hip offices offer 10 different types of cereal and post-its are stuck to the glass walls everywhere. This cliché is long outdated. New Work is increasingly spreading throughout Germany, in companies of all sizes.
Many companies are focusing on open office concepts and workplace autonomy. This means that anyone who comes into the office sits down where a team task is currently pending and where they are needed.
Since the pandemic, home office in combination with flexible working hours has also become increasingly popular. The same applies to job sharing, where you share a management position, for example.
Some companies are even going one step further
They are reducing hierarchies and relying on the fact that decisions that were previously made solely by the boss are now shifted to the employees. The teams work together toward a common goal and must organize themselves in this regard.
Two very radical models are holocracy and sociocracy. Here, the complete decision-making power is transferred to the group and the company is run democratically by executives. However, these models tend to be the exception.
The New Work model is spreading in more and more companies in Germany. This was the result of a survey conducted by the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering in Stuttgart on behalf of the German Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.
It’s time for new work models
Originally, the idea of agile working came from the IT industry, where the aim was to develop software faster. Today, agile refers to the state of constant change in the world of work.
Did you know that the term “New Work” can be traced back to the Austrian-American social philosopher Frithjof Bergmann?
It was he who worked with the unemployed in the American automotive industry in the 1980s, looking for a way for employees to find their work worthy and meaningful. As you can see, people have been working on this topic for quite a long time.
He developed a 3-pillar model in which wage work, community work and work that people really want to do complement each other. Nowadays, people have often moved away from this concept.
Implementation is not always possible
Introducing new structures is a good first step, but it is not enough, because the psychological empowerment of employees also plays an important role. To achieve real cultural change, it is critically important that employees feel that their work is meaningful and that they perceive themselves as self-determined, competent and influential. So it’s not enough to simply flatten hierarchies. Quite the opposite. If leadership tasks suddenly land with the team, this could quickly lead to conflicts.
In some companies (e.g., nursing homes, daycare centers, etc.), physical presence is required, making home offices and flexible working hours simply not feasible. For the trade unions, occupational health and safety also play a centrally important role, because self-determination in the New Work model must not ultimately lead to self-exploitation of employees. It is enormously important to the unions that working hours are recorded. Flexibility and freedom are all well and good, as long as the employee does not suffer in the end.
Benefit for young workers
New Work is popularly used these days to “lure” new employees into the company. It makes a company much more attractive to many young people. Good pay has long ceased to be the decisive reason for applying for a job. Today, people also pay attention to the work-life balance and whether the job is meaningful. In the end, the conditions simply have to be right.
There is a lot of potential for companies in the New Work model, because it has been proven that it can lead to less depression, later retirement and innovation. And, of course, it’s also about being successful in the new world of work.
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* Source: Tagesschau
