IW study shows working from home continues to popularize among German workforce

Working is becoming more and more flexible in terms of time and space. Home offices and the like are helping to better reconcile family and work. Now, a new study by the German Economic Institute (IW) shows that teleworking, or remote working, is generally well-received. 

The prerequisite for this is that employees and especially managers ensure family-friendly working conditions.

Almost nine out of ten of the employees feel that their working hours can be reconciled well or very well with family and social obligations. But the new IW study shows that employees are particularly satisfied when they telework regularly. In addition, companies that rely on digital business models are generally particularly family-friendly. 

That's not to say that the newly gained flexibility in the world of work doesn't also bring with it new challenges.

Worries about flying under the radar

Those who regularly telework often feel that they have to be available outside of working hours. In addition, remote workers are more likely to fear that things of interest will pass them by. Employees who are more present in the company often believe that it is easier to recommend themselves for exciting tasks and managerial responsibility. Employees in companies with a distinctly family-friendly corporate culture, however, are much less likely to suffer from disadvantages due to mobile working. 

Clear agreements provide orientation

This is why managers are particularly asked to support their employees in designing mobile work. Study author Andrea Hammermann recommends that employees and managers clearly agree who should be available for how long and which operational requirements apply to remote work. 

"Operational framework regulations provide guidance on who can work under which conditions and create transparency and commitment."

Whether mobile work is perceived as positive overall depends on the personal situation and preferences of the individual, on the operational framework, and in particular, the management and corporate culture experience. 

_{Approximately 1,300 companies and 2,500 employees were surveyed for the IW study.} 

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