Kasia Davies
Research expert covering the German market
Remote work in Germany - statistics & facts
Since March 2020, remote work became a widespread feature in Germany due to the official beginning of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. To curb the spread of the virus and attempt to gain control of rapidly rising infection case numbers throughout the country, the German government introduced new legal requirements and restrictions, among them transferring onsite work to home. Of course, this was not possible in absolutely all industries. Also, establishments deemed essential for the daily needs of the population, such as supermarkets, drugstores, pharmacies, gas stations, stayed open, with staff present during usual opening hours.
In many cases, office jobs were relocated to remote work, with employees trading in their company desks, conference rooms and computers for a workspace at home, whether improvised or previously set up. Remote work continued during most of spring 2020, or during the first lockdown in Germany, with a break until late autumn of that year, when the second lockdown followed and continued well into 2021. The pandemic has been recorded in waves, and these influenced periodical decisions about home office regulations. German regulations about remote work, among coronavirus related restrictions, are subject to changes made to the Infection Protection Act.
Remote work, whether referring to being mobile or working from home, is not a completely new concept in Germany. In fact, it existed in one form or other long before COVID-19 made an appearance, especially among those who only need a laptop, a headset and a good internet connection to do their job. Self-employed people often worked either from home or different locations, as did employees who traveled often for work. According to a survey conducted in 2020, 36 percent of those employed in Germany were involved with mobile work. This included not only home office, but also such activities as visiting clients and going on business trips.
Because the pandemic led to the government implementing additional restrictions on actual physical meetings and travel, employees working from home experienced various problems while structuring their workdays. Based on a 2020 survey, these problems were chiefly technical and organizational. Respondents reported concerns about data security and work communication being more difficult. While problems may indeed occur, and continue for some, others have become accustomed to remote work for different reasons. Additionally, in 2020, 44 percent of respondents to a survey stated that home office mostly improved the balance between their work and family life.
Remote work, whether referring to being mobile or working from home, is not a completely new concept in Germany. In fact, it existed in one form or other long before COVID-19 made an appearance, especially among those who only need a laptop, a headset and a good internet connection to do their job. Self-employed people often worked either from home or different locations, as did employees who traveled often for work. According to a survey conducted in 2020, 36 percent of those employed in Germany were involved with mobile work. This included not only home office, but also such activities as visiting clients and going on business trips.
Because the pandemic led to the government implementing additional restrictions on actual physical meetings and travel, employees working from home experienced various problems while structuring their workdays. Based on a 2020 survey, these problems were chiefly technical and organizational. Respondents reported concerns about data security and work communication being more difficult. While problems may indeed occur, and continue for some, others have become accustomed to remote work for different reasons. Additionally, in 2020, 44 percent of respondents to a survey stated that home office mostly improved the balance between their work and family life.
