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.
Feel free to share your opinion on the topic with us on social media.
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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In recent years, the concept of working from home has become increasingly popular. However, it wasn’t always seen as a legitimate way of working. Before the pandemic, many people were skeptical of the idea, assuming that those who worked from home were simply trying to get away with doing household chores instead of working. However, when the pandemic hit, many people were forced to work from home, and they soon discovered that it could actually be a very effective way of working.
According to a study conducted by the Allensbach Institute, only six percent of top executives in business, politics, and administration believe that working from home is only a temporary phenomenon. Instead, the vast majority of those surveyed believe that remote working is here to stay. As a result, companies that want to attract top talent will need to allow their employees to work from wherever they choose.
The pandemic has completely upended the traditional office model, according to Thomas Olek, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of office real estate investor Publity. Olek admits that he was a long-time opponent of remote working, but he has since changed his mind. He now believes that remote working will become even more important in the future. In fact, 97 percent of those surveyed in the Allensbach study believe that future employees should be given the option of remote working.
However, it’s important to note that not everyone can work from home. People who work in manufacturing, healthcare, or other industries may not be able to work remotely. Furthermore, some people prefer to work in an office environment, even if they have the option of working from home. To ensure that there is no division between those who work in the office and those who work remotely, companies need to be mindful of the needs of all their employees.
One consequence of the rise of remote working is that there will be a reduced need for office space. However, the office spaces that do remain will need to be of a higher quality. Employees will want offices that are larger, more modern, and centrally located. The days of cramped cubicles are over. Instead, the offices of the future will be open, airy spaces that are designed to promote collaboration and creativity.
In summary, the pandemic has transformed the way we work. Remote working is no longer seen as a luxury but rather as a necessity. However, companies need to ensure that they don’t focus exclusively on remote working at the expense of the traditional office model. By finding a balance between the two, companies can create a working environment that meets the needs of all their employees.
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Source: Süddeutsche Zeitung
Providing food benefits to employees has become a popular trend for many companies, and for good reason. Not only do employees value these benefits, but they can also help increase employee retention and contribute to a positive company culture.
In simple terms, employee food benefits refer to when a company offers food as part of their overall employee benefits package. Examples of such benefits include office canteens, catered lunches, free office snacks, or daily food allowances. Many well-known companies, such as Google, are renowned for their food perks, including offering free snacks and catering lunches made by professional chefs. Similarly, many startups and small-to-medium-sized enterprises offer free coffee or snacks as an office perk.
However, as companies transition to hybrid work models, it’s crucial to shift the way they offer food as a benefit to employees. It’s essential to provide food that caters to employees’ different lifestyles and working locations, no matter where they are.
Providing food as a benefit can offer an impressive return on investment (ROI) of up to 150%, according to a study by Eat Club. This is because offering food to employees can make them feel more appreciated and can contribute to increased productivity.
Food is a significant employee retention and talent attraction tool. More than half of well-fed employees state they are more likely to stay with a company and recommend it as a great place to work. A LinkedIn poll also found that 77% of respondents would be more likely to accept a job if a food allowance were included as an employee benefit.
Lastly, food fuels company culture. Food and drinks can be the heart of socialization and interaction throughout the day, and this applies to the workplace. As hybrid work models become more prevalent, connecting and engaging employees will become even more critical, and food can play a vital role in this process.
Lieferando for business is a flexible employee food benefit solution that helps employers connect their employees through food. The online and offline solution enables companies to offer food to their employees, no matter where they work. The Lieferando Pay digital allowance and Lieferando Pay Card provide employees with access to food, whether they are on the go, at a client meeting, working from home, or meeting colleagues at the office.
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The pandemic has already permanently changed mobility. More and more people are working in their home offices, saving themselves the way to the office.
The car seems to be losing more and more of its importance, which is of course partly due to the cost of gasoline. Many cities want to curb traffic in the future and are already developing appropriate concepts. Some cities already have traffic-calmed areas (also called “residential streets”).
At first, many thought that home office work was just a pandemic phenomenon and that the majority of people would return to the office. However, home office has stayed and is becoming more and more popular. Of course, it is important to remember here that not every job is suitable for the home office. This applies to factory employees.
Many managers were initially very skeptical when employees were sent to the home office because they feared that the work could only function with intensive contact between team members. That’s why many managers were initially opposed to home office work.
A study from 2017 was compared with surveys from 2020. The number of people who worked in a home office was just 17% in 2017. During the first lockdown in 2020, that number increased to 37%.
The number from the lockdown remained around 36% in 2022 after the withdrawal of workplace-based restrictions, which many would not have expected to be the case.
Today, there are more and more (hybrid) work models. There are people who work completely from home or in the office, as well as people who work sometimes from home and sometimes in the office.
Most people work about 2.5 days on average from the home office or on the road. The rest of their work days are spent in the office. The pandemic has steadily increased the percentage of those who work from home offices or on the road. Over 1/3 of people work just under half of their working hours away from their original workplace.
Especially high earners benefit from this, however, one can see a democratization in home office. Thus, in 2017, mostly well-educated and high earners worked from home office. Nowadays, this trend has also reached people with lower income and educational qualifications.
Again, note that this of course does not apply to jobs that are location-based, such as nursing.
The share of “click work” is increasing significantly. These are mostly low-paid jobs on computers or in call centers. The danger for exploitation exists especially here for precariously employed click workers, since they can no longer go to the office or organize in a union.
Certainly, the roads have become a bit emptier, but even today many people are still stuck in traffic jams for several hours when they drive to and from work. In Munich, the number of hours per motorist per year is over 70 hours(!).
This raises the question of why working from home does not alleviate traffic congestion?
The study “Mobility in Germany” from 2017 has proven that the home office reduces the number of kilometers and thus the traffic load. However, other transport services such as delivery services increased. The proportion of people ordering online has increased from 5.7% in 2017 to 17.4% in 2022.
So what this means is that if everyone worked as they did in 2017, the congestion problem would be much worse. Without a home office, traffic density would be about 1/4 higher!
However, there are isolated studies that are supposed to prove that online ordering with the help of bundled delivery routes could reduce traffic volumes under certain conditions, as customers no longer drive to the supermarket individually. This could work if delivery services were to join forces and “pool” their packages. So far, every single package and parcel is still delivered to the door by a large van, which makes it even worse.
Is there a cap on home office work?
Working from the home office is definitely here to stay. In the future, at least 1/3 of all employees will spend at least half of their working hours away from the office. And this cuts across all industries and hierarchies. This will have enormous consequences for infrastructure planning.
It is questionable whether new roads will still be needed. The fact is that car traffic is nevertheless increasing and the roads are becoming steadily more crowded despite home offices. According to TomTom, although the number of cars continues to decline, the number of kilometers driven is decreasing.
Implications for urban planning and business
Pandemic times have triggered a shift to home offices and online shopping, and this will not change in the future. As a result, local retail is under increasing pressure unless it is easily accessible on foot or by bicycle. Parking spaces in front of the door are not decisive. People today do not want to be bothered by traffic jams and full parking lots. Therefore, shopping malls should focus less on cars and more on greenery.
Does working from a home office exacerbate the housing shortage?
Quite the opposite. Many office buildings have to be converted and could then be made available to the housing market.
Will a 49-euro ticket help bring employees back to the office?
No, because even 49 euros is still too expensive for many people. For high earners, the high cost of commuting was the decisive factor.
Feel free to share your opinion on the topic with us on social media.
* Source: Der Spiegel (German)
The dietary and exercise behavior of many people has changed significantly in recent months, especially during the pandemic period with home office. Working from home has become increasingly important.
It is important for companies that employees are sick less often. Here, companies can consciously tax their share and thus actively promote and strengthen the health of their employees.
Company home office health management
Süddeutsche health insurance, in cooperation with the Nuremberg-based mhplus health insurance company, published the study “Healthy Home Office”. In this study, 65% of respondents stated that they prefer to work from their home office rather than in the office.
Regardless of whether they work from home or in the office, employees should exercise regularly, eat as balanced and healthy a diet as possible, and get enough sleep. All these topics are considered in occupational health management.
The topic is becoming increasingly important in recent years. Thus there are already special projects in different European countries, which concern themselves exactly with the topics mentioned before.
For example, the National Council has newly regulated the topic of “home office” in the Employment Contract Law Amendment Act (German: AVRAG). Our neighbor Austria has also addressed the issue and developed a strategy paper. The focus was on the needs of employees and companies.
And the courts are also increasingly having to deal with the issue when it comes to deciding, for example, who pays in the event of accidents in the home office and whether this accident is considered an occupational accident.
Which brings us to the question: May or must the employer take care of health management in the home office?
It is important to know here that the actual occupational health management (OHM) is company-related. In the home office, it has been difficult for companies to measure the health of their employees. Until now, however, because this is where companies are now taking action. Attempts are being made to introduce health-promoting standards specifically for home office work. The home office concept is much more self-sufficient and deviates in many ways from the classic concept of workplace health management, as employees now no longer work together in one place.
To date, occupational health management has been subdivided into the following areas:
In BGM, the focus is on developing the corporate environment to promote health in traditional offices. Workplace health promotion is more broadly defined, as it encompasses all measures taken jointly by the company and its employees, as well as society, and is therefore not just focused on the workplace.
Mobile health promotion (German: MGF) as an approach
Certainly, there are people who spend their entire lives in the same company. And yet, mobile working from home as well as on the road is becoming increasingly popular. This is evidenced by concepts such as coworking, coliving and workation.
The MGF here could be broken down as follows:
In the classic and yet very rigid BGM, dynamic work content has been considered, but not dynamic workplaces. They are focused on a specific company. With MGF, the focus is more modular.
Now the focus is on creating opportunities to become healthier and, above all, to stay healthy. For example, small movement breaks and sports exercises can be integrated into the daily work routine quite easily.
Health management rethought
By no means every company is enthusiastic about home office. However, a rethink is now taking place in many executive suites. The work environment is becoming increasingly dynamic, but should still be resistant to crises. A more resilient working environment and infrastructure not only supports our daily lives, but also the resilience of the economy and society.
The pandemic has shown us that it is possible to transfer an office job to the home office. Of course, this does not apply to classic factory work, as special machines are sometimes used here.
However, let’s keep in mind that everyone is different. There are people who love to work from the home office, while others consciously want to spatially separate private and professional life and therefore prefer to work in the office. Others work alternately from the home office and in the office. Personal sensitivities sometimes play an important role here. For example, many people prefer to work from home if they suffer from back pain or period cramps. These pains often do not warrant sick leave and are easier to cure from home.
Whatever the future holds. We must learn to adapt and become more mentally flexible, as this will help us get through the new era better and healthier.
Creating new structures
The MGF should not only manage, but exploit existing potentials so that suffering and illnesses do not break out in the first place. The solution to this is regular health care and awareness. One that is neither excessive nor forced. Our health is our most important resource. Therefore, the care of our health needs to be rethought.
At its best, health should be organized through technical interfaces and independent partners. We would be happy to help you organize and coordinate appropriate health management measures. Simply arrange a non-binding consultation with us.
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* Source: Der Standard (German)
Are you perhaps also one of those people who are often plagued by fatigue and listlessness in the home office?
Today we would like to give you a few useful tips on how you can actively promote your health and at the same time work in a healthy and concentrated manner.
Ventilate your workspace regularly
You sit at your workplace for several hours every day and sooner or later you are surrounded by “stale” air. You find it difficult to concentrate because there is less oxygen in the room air. The result is often headaches, frequent yawning and fatigue. It is therefore all the more important that you ventilate your workroom several times a day. This is especially important during the heating season when the room climate is dry.
Drink coffee consciously
We all know that caffeine makes you awake, but only for a short time and in small amounts. If you drink too much coffee, you quickly become tired and unable to concentrate. We therefore recommend that you drink your morning cup or your espresso after a meal consciously, i.e. not while you are working. Take a small coffee break for this purpose.
Drink plenty of water
Our body needs an average of 1.5-2 liters of fluid per day. It is best to drink this amount throughout the day, but especially in the morning, as this will help you prevent headaches and fatigue in the afternoon. Instead of putting a water bottle on the table, we recommend that you rather get each glass separately, because this way you immediately provide some exercise. By the way, this also applies to the cup of tea in the cold season.
Pay attention to a healthy diet
If you often eat very heavy and a lot, you will quickly become tired and unfocused, thus putting a strain on your digestion. A varied diet with vegetables, fruit and fiber is therefore enormously important to stay fit. You will find fiber especially in whole grain products and legumes. For breakfast, we recommend a muesli with fresh fruit, and for lunch, for example, a pasta with fresh vegetables. Carrots, apples and nuts are also an excellent snack for in between meals. Again, try to consciously focus on eating.
Release tension through movement
The often very rigid posture in front of the screen can quickly lead to tension and back pain. The ability to concentrate also decreases after a short time. In order to get your circulation going, you should make sure that you move regularly during your workday, for example when you are on the phone or walking to the coffee machine. Small exercises can help relieve your tension. These can also be done at your desk. In addition, we recommend that you exercise regularly.
Sufficient sleep
In order for your brain and body to remain efficient, you should make sure that you get enough sleep. If you go to bed at the same time every day and get enough sleep, you will wake up in the morning much fresher and more refreshed. Many people find it difficult to rest in the evening if they have spent many hours in front of a screen during the day. We therefore recommend that you stop using electrical devices (smartphone, tablet, etc.) before going to bed, because the luminous displays impair your day-night rhythm and thus lead to problems falling asleep. Instead, read a book, which should not be too exciting, so that you can switch off.
Time out against stress
Frequent and continuous stress disturbs your metabolism and sleep. Therefore, take time out every day just for yourself to switch off and come to rest. Mental relaxation techniques are very suitable for this and at the same time promote your concentration. You can consciously counteract stress with simple mindfulness exercises. They have an extremely positive effect on your immune system and can also prevent depression and anxiety. Sports and sufficient exercise also ensure mental and physical relaxation.
Maintain social contacts
Since you often work alone in a home office, feelings of isolation and loneliness can quickly arise. These quickly lead to fatigue and listlessness. It can help to maintain contact with other team members, even if they are physically separated from you. Contact your team members, write or talk to them. It is also conceivable to take a break together via video call.
Feel free to share your opinion on the topic with us on social media.
* Source: NDR
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
