Cracking the Home Office Culture: The Hidden Truth
Majority of Employees Choose to Work While Ill at Home (Two-thirds surveyed opt for working while ill at home)
Stuttgart (dpa) - Dive into the surprising revelations of a recent Dekra survey that paints a clear picture: more than two-thirds of home-based employees in Germany have clocked in while under the weather or on sick leave[1]. The bombshell report, exclusively obtained by the German Press Agency, highlights that 50% of respondents confirmed they've worked from home occasionally, while 18% admitted to doing so frequently[2].
The survey, a joint effort between Dekra and polling institute Forsa, quizzed around 1,500 employees aged 18 to 65 across the nation in the autumn of 2024[2].
Home is (Sometimes) Where the Office Is
The numbers speak for themselves: 24% of respondents work for their company on selected days from home, with 15% juggling their duties primarily or exclusively from their living space[2].
The Pros and Cons of a Home Office
Appreciation for the ability to skip the commute (89%) and the flexibility offered by work-from-home arrangements (68%) are clear highlights for home-based employees[2]. More than half (56%) remark that they are able to focus better at home[2].
However, the freer schedule doesn't come without its drawbacks. Every fifth respondent confessed to working at atypical hours, such as evenings or weekends, thereby extending their working hours[2]. Additionally, 21% cited stress from noise, family, or living conditions, and the same number complained about physical discomfort resulting from improperly equipped workstations[2].
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[1] https://www.dekra.com/en/press-release/work-from-home/survey-highlights-continuing-trend-of-working-from-home-while-sick-or-on-sick-leave/21245.html[2] https://www.dekra.com/en/press-release/work-from-home/more-than-two-thirds-of-employees-work-from-home-while-sick-or-on-sick-leave/21248.html[3] Article about small investors and the recovery rally[4] Analysis of the American economy and potential recession[5] Discussion on who benefits in market crashes[6] https://www.dekra.com/en/press-release/work-from-home/survey-highlights-continuing-trend-of-working-from-home-while-sick-or-on-sick-leave/21245.html[7] https://www.dekra.com/en/press-release/international-trade/export-genius-dashboard-helps-smes-and-vms-minimize-transit-risks-and-improve-business-respond-to-disruptions-within-the-global-logistics-chain/21236.html[8] https://www.diw.de/de/presseaussendung/ pdf/presseaussendung_hilfsarbeitsstunden_28042021.pdf[9] https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-eurostat-news/-/DN21-00033-1[10] Article on Labor Day and its impact
- Dekra's survey revealed that more than two-thirds of employees work from home even while sick or on sick leave, demonstrating a concerning trend in occupational flexibility.
- Interestingly, this study also showed that 68% of home-based employees appreciate the flexibility offered by work-from-home arrangements, which could potentially save finance for both employees and businesses.
- However, the survey highlighted that 21% of respondents complained about stress from noise, family, or living conditions, and the same number cited physical discomfort due to improperly equipped workstations, suggesting potential issues with long-term occupational health and safety.
- To address these concerns, businesses might want to consider implementing strategies to improve the average work environment for those working from home, potentially boosting employee satisfaction and productivity.
