Germany's Work-From-Home Trend Stabilizes at 24%
Working from home has become a significant part of the German work culture, with 24 percent of employed persons doing so at least occasionally in 2024. This marks a substantial increase from pre-pandemic levels, when only 13 percent of workers worked from home in 2019.
The trend towards working from home has stabilized since April 2022, with the home working rate remaining virtually unchanged. However, the proportion of exclusive home workers has decreased from 40 percent in 2021 to 24 percent in 2024. This shift suggests that many employees are now opting for a hybrid work model, combining both home and office work.
The popularity of working from home varies across industries. It is most common in service jobs like IT, with around 60 percent of employees working from home. In contrast, industries such as retail (12.5 percent) and construction (less than five percent) have lower home working rates. Long-distance commuters are also more likely to work from home, with 42 percent of employees whose workplace is at least 50 kilometers away from their home working from home.
Despite the overall trend, large German companies like SAP, Otto, and VW are encouraging employees to return to the office more frequently. This push is driven by factors such as cultural and collaborative benefits, as well as strategic reasons to discourage voluntary resignations. This move contrasts with the general trend towards more flexible work arrangements.
Working from home has become firmly established in Germany, with a quarter of employed persons working from home at least occasionally in 2024. This trend is particularly popular among those aged 25 to 44, who often balance work and family responsibilities. While some large companies are encouraging a return to the office, the overall trend suggests that working from home is here to stay, with employees valuing the flexibility it provides.
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