Remote work and home office: rules

In short: Remote work and home office allow working outside the classic office but also bring legal and organisational questions. In Germany there is no general statutory entitlement to home office, but individual agreements are possible.

In more detail: During the pandemic, home office was temporarily more strictly regulated; since then the contractual basis applies again.

In detail

• Contractual arrangement: Home office should be agreed in writing, including scope and options for revocation.
• Health and safety: The employer generally remains responsible for safe working conditions, even at home.
• Working hours: The Working Hours Act also applies at home, including break and rest period rules (ueberstunden-und-arbeitszeitgesetz).
• Data protection: Confidential documents and screen content must be protected at home too.
• Accident insurance: Work accidents at home are generally covered just as they are in the office.
• Hybrid models: A combination of office and home-office days has become established in many companies.
• Social aspects: Regular personal exchange remains important for team spirit and career development.