Flexibility instead of assembly line: the world of work has changed
Time and again, we read that large corporations are calling their employees back to the office and cutting their home office regulations. The impression that the home office has passed its zenith and that office work is making a big comeback seems to be gaining ground. However, the annual Navigator Series by SD Worx, a study of employees in numerous European countries, shows a different picture: remote work is not only still relevant, but indispensable, especially for families and all those who see flexibility as a priority.
Remote work is alive and well - and more in demand than ever
While a quarter of all German companies still did not allow remote working in 2023, the situation has improved noticeably. The proportion of employers who prohibit any form of remote working has fallen to just 3.3%. At the same time, more than 50 percent now offer at least some of their employees the opportunity to work from home or on the move.
Particularly noteworthy are companies that have established remote work as a universal offer for all employees: 33.4 percent give their entire workforce the option to work flexibly.
However, the desire for flexibility is by no means limited to the workplace - 31.2 percent of the employees surveyed stated that flexible working hours are even more important to them than the option of working from home.
Family as the driving force behind remote work
Families in particular appreciate the opportunity to work remotely. Although 45 percent of all respondents state that they have already made use of such arrangements, parents with children benefit particularly strongly from them. 37% of respondents with two children see flexible working hours as one of the main reasons for choosing an employer. 21 percent with at least one child feel more motivated by the opportunity to work remotely - a clear advantage for companies that want to retain skilled workers in the long term.
The figures also show that women are more likely than men to prioritize the option of remote work when choosing a job (22% compared to 17%). There is also a clear tendency among married people (14%) and respondents with two children (17%) to change employer if no flexible working options are offered.
Remote work as a strategic necessity for companies
The shortage of skilled workers poses massive challenges for employers. 41% see the recruitment of new employees as one of their biggest problems, while 43% see the retention of existing talent as a critical task.
"Anyone who abolishes the option of remote work is deliberately giving up a significant part of the available talent pool," says Patrick Barazzoni, Managing Director Germany at SD Worx. "Flexibility is not a luxury or a bonus, but a strategic necessity. Companies must understand that employees do not demand remote work out of convenience, but because it is easier to combine family and career. In view of the shortage of skilled workers, companies can simply no longer afford to adopt a stubborn attitude."
Flexibility as a competitive advantage
Remote work and flexible working hours are not only a sign of the times, but also a key to the future viability of companies. They enable employees to work productively without having to sacrifice a good work-life balance. Families in particular benefit from these models - and employers who take these needs seriously position themselves as modern and attractive employers.
"Remote work is more alive and more important than ever," says Patrick Barazzoni. "The future belongs to companies that focus on the needs of their workforce and see flexibility as part of their corporate culture."
Source: www.sdworx.com
