What is the difference between telecommuting and remote work?

Telecommuting is a type of work organization in which employees perform their work tasks wholly or partly outside the employer's business premises or operating sites. The employer sets up a separate workplace for this purpose. They also have a clearly regulated right of access. In turn, working remotely colloquially describes occasional work at a workplace other than the employer's premises, usually from home. When such work is planned and carried out regardless of location outside of the contractually agreed place of work by using mobile telecommunication tools and mobile IT systems, one refers to this as remote work.

What is the definition of telework?

As teleworker is someone who works for gain on behalf of tradespeople in their own private premises or another environment of their own choosing to produce work results for a client. It is important to note that a teleworker is not defined as a remotely working individual.

What are hybrid work models?

Hybrid work models describe the combination of centralized work in the office and decentralized, remote work. Making work location and working hours more flexible helps to increase employee motivation and productivity as well as perceived employer attractiveness, which is the reason why hybrid work models have already been introduced by many companies.

Can I offer hybrid work models in my company?

The prerequisite for being able to offer a hybrid working model in one's own company is the development of suitable digital organizational and communication structures. Especially for employees with long commutes, offering hybrid work models increases employer attractiveness and employee satisfaction. A management consultancy can support and professionalize a thorough analysis and development of suitable structures in your company.

What will the work model of the future look like? What role will hybrid work play in the future?

Hybrid work is already proving that flexible working environments increase employee productivity, and that decentralized collaboration can work successfully. Hybrid work enables the combination of advantages of on-site collaborations with benefits of remote work and will be an essential component of future workplaces. Especially in decentralized organizational structures, individual and digital solutions are essential to build competitive and sustainable businesses.

What does New Work mean?

The transformation of the working world through innovation and Digitalization is also reflected in Corporate culture and calls for an increasingly innovative working environment with more flexibility and autonomy for employees. Core objectives of New Work, the flexibilization of working time, place of work, and structures offer employers many advantages for digital transformation. An increasingly employee-centric focus promotes and strengthens employee motivation and engagement, resulting in continuous growth in employer brand and output.

What advantages does New Work offer?

New Work offers employers the opportunity to develop decentralized corporate structures, increased motivation, and productivity to survive and remain successful in an increasingly complex digital market. In addition to positioning yourself as an attractive employer through flexible working time and location models, New Work concepts in your company lay the foundation for successful Digitalization.

How can New Work be implemented in companies?

The redesign of corporate structures and implementation of a guideline for the basic understanding of general processes and specifications form the cornerstone for the sustainable and professional introduction of New Work models. Training should be offered in which digitalization measures are introduced. For the professional analysis of the company's situation as a necessary step for the elicitation and implementation of suitable measures, the support of a professional, specialized management consultancy .

New Work and New Leadership - How can I adapt my leadership style?

To adapt your leadership style to New Work we recommend transparent communication with employees and a shift in focus to work results instead of mere attendance. Through daily meetings, repeated check-ins, and feedback discussions, communication and employee satisfaction can also be strengthened in a decentralized manner. Furthermore, as a manager, you can also prepare specifically for New Work, remote work, and decentralized leadership through training.

What advantages does remote work have over office work?

By offering the opportunity to work remotely the company's image is improved and you position yourself as an attractive employer. The productivity of remotely working employees is proven to be increased whilst stress levels are decreased. Even in cases such as the current Covid-19 pandemic, regular operations can be maintained without downtime. Employers can reduce costs by letting employees work remotely, as this results in reduced sick leave and operating costs, whereas employees can be guaranteed an improved work-life balance by elimination of travel time.

How can I work remotely as a manager?

As a manager, you too can go remote, by virtually leading your company. At the beginning of a new project, organize kick-off meetings to define goals and clarify the course of the project with those involved. Strengthen the contact between your employees, be regularly approachable and have an open ear for your employees. Honest feedback as well as praise also ensure successful virtual leadership.

Welche positiven Veränderungen bringt New Work für mein Unternehmen mit sich mit?

New Work is an important prerequisite for initiating and improving digitalization processes in your company. By making the place of work and working hours more flexible, you give your employees more creative freedom, increase motivation, and position yourself as an attractive employer. Furthermore, by making structures more flexible in a targeted manner, you prepare your company for future changes in the long term and ensure successful positioning in an increasingly complex digital market.

What opportunities does remote work offer employees?

Working remotely offers employees more freedom and extended autonomy through the flexibilization of the work location and working hours. The free organization of the working day has a positive effect on the motivation and commitment of your employees. In addition, commuting and travel costs are eliminated, attracting potential employees who are based outside a commuting distance to your company.

Does an employer have to view employees' remote workspaces in person?

Employers are responsible for labor and data protection being followed by remotely working employees. However, this does not have to be done by an actual inspection of employees' private rooms by the employer. It is more advisable to set out requirements in a corresponding policy, which employees must agree to in writing.

What preparations are useful for the introduction of remote work?

To ensure a consistent level of employee productivity and compliance with data protection and occupational health and safety requirements, as well as guarantee the sustainable implementation of remote work it is essential to provide employees with comprehensive training. Depending on the employees' level of knowledge, this includes introductory and practical training on topics relating to data security, the legal basis, and methods regarding working remotely. Furthermore, regulations should be laid down in a policy to whose compliance employees must agree in writing.

Does the works council have a right of co-determination in the case of remote work?

The organization of work carried out remotely is also subject to co-determination by the works council, meaning that it has co-determination rights, for example, regarding the start and end of work and the organization of breaks.

What is the connection between remote work and employer branding?

Die Flexibilisierung des Arbeitsorts und der Arbeitszeit bietet Ihren Mitarbeitern mehr Freiheiten und Selbstständigkeit, wodurch Sie die Motivation und das Engagement Ihrer Mitarbeiter nachhaltig stärken können. Daher empfiehlt es sich, um sich als attraktiven Arbeitgeber ausweisen können, Strukturen für remotely and to give your employees the opportunity to remotely pursue their activities.

Can I improve my company's employer branding through remote work?

Absolutely! For employees, the opportunity to work remotely increases the attractiveness of an employer. The trust placed in them and the independence granted strengthens employees' motivation and commitment and has a positive impact on their willingness to work.

What tasks does a management consultancy take on in the introduction of employer branding?

The shortage of skilled workers is a reality in many sectors in Germany, such that measures for creating an attractive employer brand are of high priority. Management consultancies can support you in this process by targeted analyses of the company's image, quality and resulting employer branding strategy. Deriving concrete measures and helping to implement them ensures a successful employer positioning that supports your company's values.

Is my company suitable for offering remote jobs?

Whether a company is suitable for having employees work remotely depends on the nature of the activities of the employees as well as the company's internal structures. If a company employs many employees who are tied to the presence at the company's premises by haptic materials, such as in laboratories, and by technical processes that require the presence of an employee, these employees are only suitable for remote work, to a limited extent. However, employees being able to perform their work regardless of location is a good prerequisite for possible remote work offers. It is also important to introduce internal IT solutions that can ensure employees can work from home while productivity is maintained.

Can I use organizational consulting / management consulting to improve the productivity of my remotely working employees?

Through the targeted analysis by a management consultancy the work behavior of your employees can be individually analyzed, and suitable measures can be derived from it. Employee productivity can additionally be promoted through individual, needs-based training and time-consuming behaviors can be examined and avoided.

How can I professionalize the introduction of remote work by a management consultancy or a change manager in my company?

Change managers can analyze challenges companies face when letting employees work remotely in a strategic manner and systematically accompany the change process, which the company is going through. This particularly implies the strengthening of targeted communication between employees and supervisors to integrate employees into the change process and to continue to strengthen and improve their motivation. Management consultancies can analyze the overall situation of the company beyond the change process in a strategic way, derive suitable measures from previous results and thus ensure the successful, professional implementation of remotely working employees.

When does one refer to "New Work"?

"Arbeitswelt 4.0" refers to the comprehensive changes in working methods and conditions that are specifically characterized by digitalization processes and are currently taking place. Particularly time- and location-independent work is referred to as "New Work", frequently.

Can I use a template/sample for an employee survey?

Theoretically, samples can be used for employee surveys. However, to obtain an individual picture of your own company situation and individual structures and processes, it is advisable to collect data through an individually created survey. Management consultancies can support you during this process with a thorough and professional analysis of the company situation and clear preparation of the survey results.

Which digitalization strategy is suitable for my company?

The digitalization strategy of your company depends on the technical resources already available and the areas of activity of the employees. If all the necessary digital prerequisites are already in place and your employees' willingness to work remotely is high, implementation measures are relatively minor. To design and implement a suitable digitalization strategy it is advisable to have a thorough status quo analysis of your company carried out by a management consultancy for example.

How can digital working be implemented in my company?

The prerequisite for implementing decentralized work is the creation of suitable digital organization and communication structures. It is also important to involve employees in the change process to remotely maintain and further strengthen motivation and commitment.

How does digitalization of the working world affect my company?

The world of work is undergoing a rapid change process and Digitalization is one of the most important building blocks for the successful strategic orientation of your company in the future. It is therefore important to implement digitalization processes in your own company to be able to act agilely in the future and maintain an attractive image as an employer.

What are the advantages of a company agreement for remote work?

A company agreement or guideline can set out all the important legal requirements for remotely or hybrid work which both employees and employers can use as a guide. This legally binding agreement dictates requirements that should be implemented and followed remotely in a professional and sustainable way for your company.

Can a sample company agreement be used for the introduction of remote work?

In principle, a template can be used, but the individual specifications of one's own company must be accounted for. It is therefore advisable to have a company agreement drawn up individually to record all the company's internal specifications and requirements.

Do I have to comply with the remote work obligation in my company?

Due to the current SARS-CoV-2 occupational health and safety regulations, employers must offer and allow their employees to work remotely whenever feasible. This includes compelling operational reasons, in the case of a lack of IT infrastructure or necessary work equipment, for example. Since the 22nd of April 2021, employees are now also required to work remotely when such an offer is provided.

What needs to be considered regarding the current Covid-19 Occupational Health and Safety Regulations?

As a pandemic containment measure, the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations require employers to allow their employees to work remotely with exceptions applying only for compelling operational reasons. In addition, as of the 22nd of April 2021, the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations also require employees to work remotely when such an offer is provided and "to an extent where no reasons speak against it".

Can I introduce remote work permanently?

Of course! The professional implementation of remotely working employees in your company does not only increase the flexibility of working hours and location, but also increases the motivation of your employees and the perceived employer attractiveness. Because of this, a permanent implementation of work being carried out remotely by, for example, a hybrid working model is an important building block to making your company fit for the future.

How many days per week can my employees work from home?

The number of days employees work from home depends on the nature of the business and the activity of the employee. To establish uniform rules on the number of days an employee can work remotely it is advisable to create a remote work policy, in which basic rules are defined.

How do I prepare my employees for their first day working from home?

Create a checklist in advance to inform employees of all the preparations they need to make. For example, ask whether they have a stable internet connection at their remote workplace and whether employees have all the important data, access points, and haptic materials they need to perform their work successfully. Furthermore, it is useful to aid in the form of information sheets or FAQs to resolve questions or uncertainties employees may have.

Is it possible to work part-time remotely?

Whether it is possible to work part-time remotely depends on the individual requirements of the employer.

What remote work regulations should apply?

It is essential to define clear rules to implement remotely it is advisable to implement a company agreement to record all legal requirements and guidelines regarding the workplace. Furthermore, all employees should receive an introduction to all important digital processes and structures to maintain engagement and motivation.

What is important to consider when it comes to dress code?

When working remotely the same dress code should apply as in the office, as appropriate attire has been shown to increase productivity.

At what times should my employees work / be available?

Accessibility should be regulated in the same way as at the operating sites. Employees do not have to be reachable outside the agreed working hours.

How are breaks regulated?

Normal branch office break times should be maintained in the remote work setting to prevent stress and preserve employee satisfaction.

What is the recommended way of working so that employees are not distracted when working remotely?

To maintain a productive way of working even in a decentralized manner, it is advisable to clear disruptive factors such as a smartphone out of sight and reach and to deactivate unnecessary notifications such as the private e-mail inbox. Furthermore, techniques for increasing productivity can be learned in training courses to enable employees to work in a concentrated manner.

What are the success factors for efficient decentralized management?

Decentralized leadership can be just as successful as in centralized teams by paying attention to a few factors. Clear guidelines and fixed deadlines can establish uniform structures in the team and maintain and promote communication between team members. To ideally prepare managers for decentralized leadership it is advisable to have a management training course in which managers learn all the important content from the right digital appearance to decentralized team organization.

Why is trust work critical to decentralized leadership in remote work?

Employees' work behavior is subject to less control when working remotely as opposed to in the office, which can be initially challenging for many managers. However, employees have proven to be more productive working remotely than in the office, which is why managers should focus less on control and more on results. Giving your employees confidence by allowing them to work independently also boosts employee motivation and engagement.

As a decentralized manager, should I always be available?

For managers, the same accessibility applies as in the office. To ensure productive work and smooth communication with employees, it is advisable to be available to employees as often as possible during working hours.

How do I adjust my leadership style when my employees and I are back in the office?

Working methods that have proven successful during working remotely such as results-oriented work instead of constant control and trust in team members' work behavior, can also be adopted in hybrid or centralized work structures. These promote team cohesion, team engagement and employee satisfaction.

How do I maintain a structure with employees working remotely?

Schedule regular project meetings, roundtable discussions, and feedback sessions to successfully delegate current projects and address employee concerns in a timely manner.

What advantages do retrospectives offer me?

Retrospectives help people work more productively by evaluating the past: by looking back on completed processes, improvement actions can be derived to enhance future work processes and strengthen team collaboration.

How can I optimally use and optimize the existing organizational software?

Agree on a common organizational software per team/department and set rules for the communication within the software. Through the task creation function, you keep track of the assignment of your own tasks and those of colleagues. Also, you can work in parallel in documents through file sharing and promote productive, asynchronous communication by using the comment function in Word or PowerPoint.

What (technical) equipment do my employees need for a remote workplace?

Your remotely working employees need a company laptop and a stable internet connection. Depending on company-specific requirements, a second monitor and VPN access can also be provided to protect access to the company network. A camera - integrated into the laptop - is recommended for efficient meetings. A keyboard and mouse, as well as headphones including a microphone or headset, also ensure that one is well-equipped when working remotely. For space, a free and organized desk is recommended to promote focused and productive work, as well as an ergonomic office chair and natural light.

Do employees need complete remote work equipment if they only work from home for a limited period?

In principle, remotely working employees need a company PC, a mouse, and a physically secluded location to exclude third parties during working hours. It is unnecessary to provide employees with cost-intensive office furniture for a limited period. Nevertheless, it is important to ensure that remotely working employees are not subject to health restrictions due to inadequate equipment and that data protection measures can be observed.

Which technical tools support the collaboration of decentralized teams?

Communication software, such as Jabber Cisco, Microsoft Teams, and Microsoft Outlook, provide effective communication between team members on a decentralized team and support their collaboration.

What are the benefits of organizational tools like Trello and Asana?

Organizational tools such as Trello or Asana make it possible to easily design task distribution and process structures between employees and teams in a simple and clear manner. Trello is particularly suitable for smaller companies due to its simple and intuitive interface. For larger teams and complex projects that require more functions, the use of Asana is recommended.

What are the necessary considerations regarding communication within a decentralized team?

Team members in decentralized teams can stay in touch through both synchronous and asynchronous communication. Comments or non-urgent questions can be clarified through chats or annotation functions in documents, while urgent, more complex topics are best discussed via video conference. Regular communicative exchanges between team members, scheduled and brief feedback sessions, and a camera turned on during video meetings are useful for intensifying communication and enabling successful collaboration.

Which digital communication channels are recommended?

For personal conversations and building relationships between employees, telephone calls are recommended. Urgent questions should take place in (team) chat, while video conferencing is best for workshops and training, team discussions, and weekly planning. If it is a matter of formal communication and updates for larger groups, drafting emails is recommended. Private communication channels such as WhatsApp, on the other hand, should be avoided.

How do I conduct virtual feedback conversations?

Feedback meetings on completed projects can be held in the working group; for more personal meetings, one-on-one meetings are a clever idea. Create an agenda to be able to reflect aspects in a structured way. Give employees plenty of notice for the feedback meeting so that they can assess and prepare in advance. Clear communication is particularly important in virtual meetings: formulate the feedback briefly, concisely, and clearly and make sure that the words you use are respectful and appreciative. Also, make sure you appear professional in the video conference: Do not sit too close to the camera, look as directly as possible into the camera, and pay attention to your body tension.

What meetings should be introduced when working remotely?

To stay in regular communication with employees, it makes sense to have daily, 15-minute meetings in which employees can present their daily results, but also challenges. Managers should also hold regular, short meetings with their employees to identify and resolve any problems at an early stage. Furthermore, formats such as a digital coffee break or digital team events outside working hours can contribute positively to the working atmosphere and employee motivation.

What is asynchronous communication?

Asynchronous communication refers to time-delayed communication, for example via comment and chat functions or by e-mail. The advantages of asynchronous communication are independence from the availability of other employees or managers and transparent communication that can be read at any time. This time-saving communication variant is useful, for example, when creating documents or for simple questions, to be able to work in a time-delayed manner while maintaining the same level of information.

How can I implement asynchronous communication in my team?

Define rules for communication channels: Simple questions or comments can be communicated via chat or left in documents to be processed and do not require a meeting. Explain practices to your employees and remind them if agreed communication channels are not followed.

How do I prepare for efficient meetings?

Deliberately set short deadlines to encourage efficient work and invite only colleagues whose presence is essential. Create invitations for meetings via email invitation and create an agenda for each session.

How do I manage meetings efficiently?

Prepare meetings beforehand, for example, by opening required documents in advance. Make sure you are in a distraction-free environment, with the mic off and the camera on. Use the hand signal feature when you want to speak and record the following steps and follow-up activities.

What are the advantages of a digital team calendar?

A shared, digital team calendar makes it easier for team members to plan meetings smoothly and prevents time-consuming misunderstandings and rescheduling.