Home office or office: Austria's workers demand flexible work!

Home office or office: Austria's workers demand flexible work!

The current labor market situation in Austria shows significant trends in the field of working hours and employment satisfaction. While about three percent of the population work voluntarily part -time, this has emphasized direct effects on social security in old age, as Dieter Scharitzer, Managing Director of TQS Research. A study of among 1,000 people shows that almost 90 percent are satisfied with their job and that many find their balance between professional and private life good. However, it is worrying that 60 percent of the respondents have no access to home office, although only 11 percent reject this form of work. According to Scharitzer, this would often mean that workers have to appear in the office regularly against their will. As reported by Vienna.at, many Austrian employees would like more flexibility.

The trend towards hybrid work

In Germany, a similar discussion follows the return to the office. The "Return to Office" trend, which started in 2022, again demands more presence at the workplace, which is based on resistance to many employees. Only 9 percent of those surveyed prefer to work exclusively in the office, while a large majority want a hybrid form of work. Deutsche Telekom and other large companies also rely on an increased obligation to present, although studies show that only one fifth of the company have introduced such a regulation. IT industry popular, but also a strong wish of many workers in other sectors.

The advantages of the home office are undisputed for many: better reconciliation of professional and private life, no pendulum times and a healthier working environment. Studies show that the combination of home office and office work is the preferred solution for most employees. This is also reflected in the assessment that a return to the attendance obligation is perceived as a step back due to the positive experiences in the home office. The new work culture could therefore require more flexibility and rethinking in the company to promote the satisfaction and productivity of employees.