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.
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.
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.
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:
Ergonomic furniture plays a crucial role in your home office's health. So, 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Feel free to share your opinion on the topic with us on social media.
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.
Feel free to share your opinion on the topic with us on social media.
Source: Süddeutsche Zeitung
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(!).
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.
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.
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.
Quite the opposite. Many office buildings have to be converted and could then be made available to the housing market.
No, because even 49 euros is still too expensive for many people. For high earners, the high cost of commuting was the decisive factor.
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* Source: Der Spiegel (German)
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