Alternating telework: definition, benefits, advantages and disadvantages

Imagine if your employees could combine the best aspects of everyday office life with the conveniences of working from home. With alternating teleworking, this is no longer a problem.

Whether it's reducing the stress of the weekly commute, increasing productivity, or enabling a better work-life balance, alternating telecommuting is key to a flexible and future-oriented work culture. 

What is alternating telework?

Alternating remote work, along with flexible working time models, is gaining increasing importance and is equally valued by companies and employees as an ideal solution for the modern working world. What is meant by teleworking is clear – but what exactly is the definition of alternating teleworking?

Alternating teleworking means that your employees alternate between working in the office and from home. The model combines the advantages of a traditional workplace with the flexibility of a home office, thus benefiting everyone involved. 

Rotating office hours ensures that important personal meetings and teamwork are not neglected, while days spent working from home ensure a focused, distraction-free working environment. The time allocation between working from home and in the office is determined individually.

What benefits does teleworking have for your company?

However, alternating teleworking is not only worthwhile for your employees, but also brings tangible benefits for your company.

Undoubtedly, your employees are more satisfied and productive if they have the opportunity to flexibly divide their working hours between the office and home office. Satisfied employees are more motivated, creative and committed. This has a direct impact on the quality of their work and leads to better results for your company.

If your employees regularly work from home, you will need less office space. This saves rental and operating costs and enables more efficient use of your resources. 

Another advantage is the increased attractiveness of your company on the job market. By offering flexible working models, you position yourself as a modern, progressive employer who takes the needs of its employees seriously. Because in a time when skilled workers are in high demand, the option of alternating telecommuting is a strong argument that attracts the best talent and binds them to your company long-term. 

And what about productivity? Studies show that telecommuting increases productivity because your employees work more effectively in a quiet, personalized environment. In addition, sick leaves are reduced, as remote work promotes better work-life blending and reduces stress – an all-round carefree package, so to speak.

Alternating telecommuting, home office, and remote work: What are the differences? 

In today's dynamic working world, flexibility is the magic word. Terms such as alternating teleworking, home office and remote work have now become an integral part of most companies. But how exactly do these concepts differ?

Alternating teleworking

As already mentioned, alternating teleworking means that your employees alternate between working in the office and from home. On certain days they are present in the office, on other days they work from home. This model combines the advantages of both worlds: personal collaboration and team dynamics in the office, as well as focused, flexible working at home. 

Home Office

With the classic home office your employees work entirely from home. No more commuting, more time for family and leisure, and an individually designed work environment – home office has a multitude of advantages. Home office is particularly effective for tasks that require high levels of concentration and little distraction. 

Remote work

Remote work goes one step further. Here, your employees work not only from home, but from anywhere in the world. This model is also often referred to as mobile working. Whether from the café around the corner, a co-working space in another city, or on the beach in Southeast Asia – remote work represents ultimate freedom and flexibility. 

For your company, this means access to a global talent pool. However, remote work also requires robust communication and collaboration tools as well as clear processes to ensure efficient collaboration.

Teleworking: Advantages and disadvantages for employees

Of course, teleworking has many advantages, but you should not ignore the challenges either. For this reason, it is worth assessing the advantages and disadvantages for your company and your team individually.

Of course, one of the biggest advantages of teleworking is increased flexibility. Your employees can adapt their working hours and location to their individual needs. Alternating teleworking leads to a better work-life balance and can significantly increase satisfaction and motivation. It also helps reduce stress and improve health by leaving more time for relaxation and personal activities.

However, there are also some challenges. The lack of direct contact with colleagues can make communication difficult and impair team spirit. Spontaneous conversations and brainstorming sessions are more difficult to conduct and require more planning. Some workers also struggle with the blurring of boundaries between work and leisure time, which can lead to overwork and burnout.

However, you can actively counteract many of these disadvantages – namely by implementing tools that help you organize alternating teleworking. More and more renowned companies are relying on Flexopus, a desk sharing software created for hybrid teams.

Benefits of teleworking for employees:

• Flexibility: Adaptation of working hours and place of work to individual needs.
• Work-life balance: Better compatibility of work and private life.
• Time and cost savings: Elimination of daily commuting.
• Health: Reduced stress and more time for relaxation.
• Productivity: Working efficiently in a quiet, self-selected environment.

Disadvantages of teleworking for employees:

• Communication problems: Less direct contact and reduced team dynamics.
• Lack of separation: Blurring of the boundaries between work and leisure.
• Technical Difficulties: Possible challenges with your internet connection.
• Isolation: Feeling of isolation and reduced spontaneous interactions.

Alternating teleworking: What to consider when introducing it

To ensure the successful implementation of alternating teleworking in your company, there are a few tips you should keep in mind.

Perhaps the most important aspect is to develop a clear strategy and communicate openly with your employees. Discuss the goals and expectations associated with the introduction of alternating telework. 

In Germany there are no specific legal regulations for teleworking. This means that there is neither a legal obligation nor a right to telework – but this is a great advantage as it allows for individual, joint coordination. However, the Working Hours Act (ArbZG), the Occupational Safety and Health Act (ArbSchG) and the Screen Work Ordinance (BildscharbV) also apply to the home workplace.

Make clear agreements with your employees that regulate the conditions of teleworking, such as working hours in the office and in the home office, accessibility and technical aspects. A clearly worded teleworking contract helps to avoid misunderstandings and ensure smooth implementation.

A key aspect of the successful introduction of alternating teleworking is the efficient use of your office space and workstations. This is where Flexopus comes in, your reliable desk sharing software. With Flexopus you can optimally plan and organize the use of your office space. 

With this software, your employees can not only book their workstations in the office flexibly, but also parking spaces and meeting rooms. Flexopus supports you with transparent communication and planning, so that all team members always know who is in the office and when. In addition to the practical live occupancy plan, there are many other functions for modern workplace management that make the organization of alternating teleworking even easier.

Summary 

Alternating telework is a win-win for everyone. Your employees enjoy more flexibility and you benefit from higher productivity, lower costs and an improved image as an employer. Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that the introduction of alternating telework requires careful planning and clear agreements. 

By using the desk sharing software Flexopus, you can smoothly transition to flexible working models and increase both the efficiency and satisfaction of your employees. Take the step into the modern working world and benefit from the diverse possibilities of alternating teleworking with Flexopus!