The world of work has changed dramatically in recent years. Working from home is no longer a luxury, but an important argument when choosing an employer. More and more companies are focussing on flexible working models in order to attract and retain qualified specialists in the long term. But what are the advantages of working from home? And what challenges do companies have to overcome to ensure the productivity and satisfaction of their employees?
According to a recent study by Ms Czycholl at the University of Oldenburg, working from home plays a central role in the choice of job. Furthermore, a full 40 per cent of those surveyed stated that they would turn down a job without the option of working from home. Flexibility in the place of work is a decisive factor, especially for young professionals and IT specialists. Employers who fail to adapt to this risk losing out in the competition for talent. In addition, many respondents emphasised that working from home is an important argument in contract negotiations.
Working from home also has numerous advantages for companies:
Despite the many advantages, there are also challenges that should not be underestimated.
A frequently cited problem is the mix of work and private life. Many employees report longer working hours and irregular breaks, which can lead to stress and sleep disorders in the long term.
Solution: Companies should define clear rules on availability and working hours. A ‘right to disconnect’ culture can help to protect employees' mental health. This also emphasises the importance of working from home as an important argument in workplace design.
The lack of personal dialogue with colleagues can make collaboration more difficult. Misunderstandings arise more quickly and informal conversations (‘kitchen floor communication’) are no longer possible.
Solution: Regular virtual meetings, hybrid working models and digital collaboration tools such as Slack, Microsoft Teams or Asana can help to strengthen team cohesion. This is increasingly seen as an important argument in favour of the introduction of working from home.
There is an increased risk of cyberattacks and data breaches when working from home.
Solution: Companies should establish clear IT guidelines, provide VPN access and train employees in cybersecurity.
Success strategies for an effective home office culture
For home office to work in the long term, companies need to take certain measures:
Instead of control, companies should focus on results-orientated performance measurement. Trust and personal responsibility promote employee motivation. This is a strong argument in favour of implementing working from home.
Regular updates, check-ins and feedback sessions help to avoid misunderstandings and maintain team spirit.
Employers should ensure that their employees are equipped with powerful laptops, ergonomic workstations and stable internet connections. Equipping employees is very easy via our platform, for example. This is of crucial importance and offers home office as an important argument in modern working conditions.
Working from home is more than just a trend - it is a decisive competitive factor for modern companies and an important argument on the labour market. The opportunity to work flexibly is a decisive argument for many skilled workers when choosing a job. Companies that focus on hybrid working and at the same time actively manage the challenges of working from home can secure a long-term advantage on the labour market.
No. An evidence-based study denies this.
The current debate about remote work and return-to-office policies is gathering pace. But the facts speak for themselves: home office and remote work are not bad for productivity per se. A recent meta-analysis based on 110 independent samples of 45,288 people offers new insights into this.
Central results of the meta-analysis:
➡️ Overall, the positive effects outweigh the negative effects of a few days of Remote Work Intensity per week.
➡️ The effects include attitudes such as higher satisfaction, higher commitment, a more pronounced experience of autonomy, higher performance and a lower intention to quit.
➡️ Social isolation can be a problem with higher remote work intensity, but the positive effects outweigh the negative ones.
✅Conclusion:
It is less about the ‘whether’ and more about the ‘how’ of implementation. The current ‘back to office’ discussions often ignore evidence-based management. And yet, especially now in times of crisis and recession. We absolutely need precisely the working environment and forms of work that lead to greater productivity and performance. 🤔
Click here for the original source: A dual pathway model of remote work intensity: A meta‐analysis of its simultaneous positive and negative effects - Gajendran - 2024 - Personnel Psychology - Wiley Online Library
Groundbreaking Ruling by the Cologne Regional Labor Court: A Working From Home Revocation Must Be Well Justified.
⚖️ Judgment:
The Cologne Regional Labor Court (LAG) has ruled that the revocation of a home office agreement by an employer must be objectively well justified. Especially when it involves relocating the employee to a distant workplace.
📜 Background:
In this particular case in the automotive industry, the employer instructed a project manager to work at a new site 500 kilometres away after the closure of their original location. The employee, who previously worked from home about 80% of the time, refused and filed a dismissal protection lawsuit. After all, he argued that revoking his home office privilege required proper justification, which the employer failed to provide.
📖 Court’s Reasoning:
The court deemed the relocation invalid, stating that it violated the principle of "reasonable discretion" under Section 106 of the Trade Regulation Act (GewO). There were no sufficient objective reasons to justify both the revocation of the home office agreement and the relocation.
Additionally, the alternative dismissal with modified terms was also ruled invalid, as there were no urgent operational requirements under the Dismissal Protection Act (KSchG).
✅ Conclusion:
This ruling emphasizes that employers must present clear, objective interests when revoking home office agreements, especially if such actions result in significant changes for the employee. Especially, the decision is particularly significant for employees who have relocated based on the availability of home office options. We recommend professionalizing working from home with our products and services.
The detailed reasoning was as follows that a working from home revocation must be well justified. When a business location is closed, it is deemed unreasonable for an employer to revoke an employee's home office agreement and transfer them to a new location 500 kilometers away. This was decided by the Cologne Regional Labor Court (LAG) (Judgment of July 11, 2024, Ref. 6 Sa 579/23).
The LAG Cologne found both the relocation and the alternative dismissal with modified terms invalid. The court stated that the relocation violated the principle of "reasonable discretion" under Section 106 of the Trade Regulation Act (GewO). While Section 106 GewO grants employers the right to instruct employees on when, where, and how to work. This authority is not without limits and must respect reasonable discretion.
In this case, the court found that relocating the employee from their home office, where they were "deeply rooted in family, logistics, social circles, and cultural ties," to an office 500 kilometres away required "overriding objective interests on the part of the employer." This principle guided the court's decision.
It concluded that while the closure of the business location could constitute an urgent operational requirement. This did not justify revoking the employee’s home office agreement. The employer had failed to present any substantial reasons for the revocation.
The invalidity of the alternative dismissal with modified terms was based on Section 1(1) of the Dismissal Protection Act (KSchG). It ruled that the dismissal was "not due to urgent operational requirements as outlined in Section 1(2) KSchG," thus rendering it invalid.
The guidelines of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) for better home office aim to balance office presence and home office work. The ministry recommends not relying solely on home office work. These guidelines are not binding but serve as recommendations.
BMAS acknowledges that hybrid work models increase flexibility and improve work-life balance. Additionally, they provide opportunities for people with disabilities to participate more in the workforce and facilitate reintegration after long periods of incapacity.
However, this new form of collaboration imposes higher and different demands on all parties involved. According to the labour ministry, employers must find fair and safe solutions for work design, even in the absence of telework agreements.
Employees must self-organize more, while managers face the challenge of leading remotely, keeping teams across various locations connected, and managing information flow.
The 7 steps for designing good hybrid screen work:
The ministry emphasizes the importance of involving employees and their representatives in the process of establishing hybrid work guidelines. According to the ministry's observations, hybrid work usually functions well when there are rules for home office work at the company or collective level.
In recent years, the home office has become more and more established as a workplace for many people. The pandemic has made this trend even stronger and more and more employees are working from home. But the home office also brings challenges, especially in terms of nutrition.
In the following, we give you tips on how to eat a healthy and balanced diet at home.
One of the biggest challenges in a home office is that you are at home all day and therefore have constant access to food. Therefore, plan your meals in advance and preferably prepare them the night before. This way you avoid indulging in unhealthy snacks in between.
A balanced diet consists of a combination of carbohydrates, proteins, fat and fibre. Make sure you are getting enough of all the important nutrients. Avoid highly processed foods and instead choose whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables and low-fat dairy products.
Do not eat while you are working. Take time for your meals and eat calmly and consciously. This will prevent you from eating too much because you are distracted.
Drink enough water throughout the day. Water helps to hydrate the body and flush out toxins. Avoid sugary drinks as they contain unnecessary calories and can negatively affect blood sugar levels.
Treat yourself to a snack between meals, but reach for healthy options such as nuts, fruit or vegetable sticks. Avoid sugary snacks and crisps as they are high in fat and salt.
Cravings can be caused by prolonged sitting, boredom or stress. To avoid food cravings, eat regularly and drink enough. If you do get cravings, go for healthy options like fruit or vegetables.
Cook for yourself
When you work from home, you often have more time to cook for yourself. Take advantage of this time and prepare healthy and balanced meals for yourself. This way you are in control of what you eat and can make sure you are getting all the important nutrients.
In summary, a healthy and balanced diet is especially important in the home office. With the constant presence of food and the potential stressors that can come with working from home, it is important to eat mindfully and in a planned manner.
Eating a balanced diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and enough water can help you feel your best while working from home. Plus, by cooking healthy meals yourself, you can make sure you're getting all the essential nutrients you need and prepare for your working day in the best way possible.
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It is no longer a secret that a good salary is no longer the only decisive factor for many employees when job choice is no longer a secret. Companies know that they need to offer their employees to retain them in the long term and attract new colleagues. For example, a good working atmosphere and opportunities to balance work and private life work-life balance are important to many people.
What is needed are good benefits. These are attractive additional benefits that companies can offer their employees on top of their salary, setting them apart from the competition. These benefits can come in many different forms. Free drinks at work, a mobility allowance for the commute to work, on-site childcare or team events. There are numerous options that companies can use to improve the everyday working lives of their employees. But they almost all have one thing in common: they favour employees who work on-site. Many benefits offer no advantage for employees who work mostly from home or working from home or completely remotely - like onyo. With free fruit and drinks, you can employees who may live - and work - hundreds of kilometres away cannot be lured out from behind the stove. Yet, so many benefits can be easily transferred to the home office.
The trend towards working from home is continuing. Almost a quarter of all
of all employees in Germany now work from home, at least part of the time. Young employees and parents, in particular, appreciate the opportunities this creates to opportunities better to combine their working life with leisure and family life. Not only, but employers make themselves particularly attractive to these target groups when they offer offer flexible working from home.
It also promotes equal treatment. If the choice of benefits does not consider employees when choosing benefits, you deny a large part of the workforce access to benefits. This can create an imbalance in the workforce and the feeling that working on-site is more likely to be rewarded and recognized.
Save big with discounts from benefit platforms!
Many companies offer their employees discounts on their own products and services.
On a benefits platform such as Benefits.me, which is available to companies free of charge available to companies free of charge, employees of participating companies can register and receive exclusive discounts on attractive brands. So your employees can save real money in online stores, on event tickets and on leisure activities in their save real money in their area.
Equal treatment only exists if all employees have the same access to knowledge. Ideally, you should film internal training courses and make them available to your employees on the intranet. With free access to
e-learning platforms, mentoring programs and online seminars, further training can occur individually, at any time and from anywhere in the world.
The company gym is NOT an advantage for employees working from home. The gym at home is much more attractive. But perhaps the swimming pool or climbing gym is also preferred. Instead of specifying a fixed fitness program, let your employees choose a free membership and thus - really! - the health, fitness and motivation of your employees.
Working from home should not be a disadvantage. Employers should consider ergonomic workstations and equivalent technology as a basic prerequisite for working and make these available to ALL employees at their workplace. Special (monthly or annual) budgets for home office equipment make it possible to work just as healthily and effectively at home while catering to individual needs.
Employees working from home should not be disadvantaged and their work should also be rewarded with attractive additional benefits. It is therefore important to find solutions as to how existing benefits can be transferred to the home office or what extra offers
can be set up for employees working from home. In most cases, there are already opportunities employees can choose what they want to take advantage of, regardless of their location are a real advantage
Benefits.me is the free upgrade for employer branding. The exclusive discount campaigns on the closed benefits platform inspire over 1,000,000 employees throughout Germany. With the People Hub, Benefits.me is expanding its offering for companies with selected team events, company gifts and benefits at the best conditions.
In times of increasing remote working, companies are faced with the challenge of maintaining an effective corporate culture and ensuring the integration of new employees as well as the management and development of teams under 50-100% remote conditions. But with the right strategies, these challenges can be overcome. In this article, we give you useful tips on how your company can successfully manage the home office.
Employee loyalty to the corporate culture is crucial for success. According to a study by the Fraunhofer Institute, 60% of German employees emphasize the importance of a strong corporate culture for their job satisfaction. Virtual coffee breaks, regular virtual meetings and the promotion of an open communication climate can help to keep the corporate culture alive.
Onboarding new employees working from home requires adjustments. Statistics from the German Association of HR Managers show that companies with structured virtual onboarding processes have a 20% higher employee retention rate. Rely on digital induction days, mentorship programs and virtual team introductions to give new team members a smooth start.
The virtual space requires special skills from managers. A survey by the University of Munich shows that companies that invest in training their managers for digital leadership record a 25% increase in employee satisfaction. Encourage trust building, clear communication and regular feedback to lead virtual teams effectively.
Traditional team building activities need to be rethought digitally. According to a study by the Swiss Institute for Innovation Management, companies that implement virtual team building initiatives show a 30% increase in team performance. Virtual games, joint online workshops and digital team events can promote collaboration.
The integration of technologies such as virtual collaboration platforms and advanced analytics tools is crucial. At the same time, empathy from managers is essential. A study by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich shows that empathetic leadership leads to a 15% increase in employee satisfaction.
The challenge of working from home can be mastered through holistic strategies. Companies should not only focus on technological solutions, but also not neglect the human side of working in a virtual space. With a clever combination of digital innovations, clear processes and a focus on the needs of employees, working from home will become a sustainable success story for companies.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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