Why working from home should not become the norm
By Rachel · 4 min read
Automatically translated from German. · Read original
Why working from home should not become the norm, as working in an office offers key benefits in terms of productivity, team spirit and work-life balance.
Key points at a glance
- Studies show that hybrid models can boost productivity by up to 12 per cent (according to the IZA study 2025).
- The use of remote working has remained at a consistently high level since the COVID-19 pandemic, and a decline is not expected (Ingenieur.de, 21 October 2026).
- Companies such as Volkswagen are reintroducing a requirement to work on-site for three days a week to strengthen collaboration (CIO DE, 19 October 2026).
- ‘Working from home is here to stay’ – a trend that, according to NullPlusEins, will continue to take hold (nullpluseins.com, 2 May 2025).
- Legal uncertainties surrounding home working arrangements can lead to disputes; clear rules are therefore essential (BMAS, 15 September 2026).
Why the requirement to work in the office is important
Companies that prioritise regular attendance report a stronger sense of team identity. Practical experience also shows why working from home should not become the norm: the 2026 home-office allowance only covers the basics, but does not replace face-to-face interaction.
Productivity and focus
Research by the Institute for Applied Ergonomics (ifaa) shows that employees in the office complete, on average, 15 per cent more tasks within the allotted time. The reason why working from home should not become the norm becomes clear here: there are fewer distractions, and the visual presence of colleagues encourages spontaneous discussions.
Team cohesion
‘The use of remote working has remained at a consistently high level since the COVID-19 pandemic,’ writes Dr Daniel Erdsiek from the ZEW’s ‘Digital Economy’ research department. Nevertheless, the study also shows that 68 per cent of employees consider a greater physical presence to be beneficial for team culture. Why working from home should not become the norm is therefore also down to the social dynamics that can only arise in the office.
Legal clarity
Legislation has not yet enshrined a general right to work from home. According to the BMAS report dated 15 September 2026, clear attendance rules provide greater legal certainty for employers and employees. The fact that many collective agreements continue to stipulate office hours further underscores why working from home should not become the norm.
Disadvantages of permanent remote working
Even if ‘working from home is here to stay’, there are limits. The following points clearly illustrate why working from home should not become the norm:
Isolation and communication
Employees who work from home on a permanent basis are more likely to report feeling isolated. According to a Deloitte study entitled ‘Women @ Work’, the frequency of communication falls by 30 per cent, which has a negative impact on networking.
Poor ergonomics
Many home workstations do not meet the ergonomic standards of an office. This can lead to health problems and impair long-term ability to work.
Difficulties with career development
Promotion and visibility often stem from informal contacts in the office. Those who are never present may miss out on these opportunities, as an analysis by the ‘Königsteiner Group’ shows.
Practical tips for a balanced model
A hybrid model combines the best of both worlds. The fact that working from home should not become the norm does not mean it has to be abolished entirely – it’s all about striking the right balance.
Set clear rules
Draw up guidelines that specify days of attendance, availability times and communication channels. One example is the four-day compulsory attendance rule, which a court has upheld in a recent ruling.
Invest in digital tools
Tools such as Microsoft Teams, Slack and cloud services support remote collaboration. Tips on setting up a home office will help you create the necessary infrastructure.
Regular feedback sessions
Hold weekly check-ins to assess progress and identify any issues at an early stage. The ZEW study emphasises that transparent goal-setting increases acceptance.
Comparison: Office vs. home office
| Aspect | Office | Working from home |
|---|---|---|
| Average productivity | 100% | 88% |
| Team cohesion (on a scale of 1–10) | 8.2 | 5.7 |
| Work-life balance (on a scale of 1–10) | 6.5 | 8.1 |
| Operating costs per employee (annual) | €4,800 | €1,200 |
| Legal certainty | High | Medium |
Frequently asked questions
What legal regulations apply to working from home?
In Germany, there is no general right to work from home; employers may offer this option, but must put clear arrangements in place. You can find further details in the article on the 2026 work-from-home allowance.
Why are companies returning to on-site working?
Because of the benefits for team culture, productivity and legal certainty. Studies show that hybrid models offer the best balance.
Can working from home on a permanent basis affect career prospects?
Yes, as career progression often relies on informal contacts in the office. Regular attendance can help to offset this.
Which tools are essential for collaboration whilst working from home?
Microsoft Teams, Slack, video conferencing systems and cloud services. Tips on setting up a home office provide practical advice.
What does the future of work look like?
A hybrid model will prevail – neither working from home exclusively nor being required to work in the office exclusively.
“Working from home is here to stay.”
— NullPlusEins, 2 May 2025
Sources: Neue Zürcher Zeitung · nullpluseins.com · ingenieur.de · CIO DE. As at 30 October 2026.
