Mobiles Arbeiten: Flexibilität und Freiheit in der modernen Arbeitswelt

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The world of work has changed — fundamentally. While just a few years ago, most employees went to the office every day, many things have changed today. Mobile working is part of everyday life for more and more people. Whether on the train, in a café, or even from abroad: The boundaries between a fixed workplace and flexible work are becoming increasingly blurred.

But what exactly does mobile working mean? And what is the legal framework in Germany? This article highlights all important aspects of mobile work and shows how companies and employees can benefit from it equally.

Mobile work definition

Mobile working means the opportunity to carry out professional tasks outside the fixed establishment — and at different locations. Different from the classic Home Office You are not bound to a specific location, but work where it is convenient.

What is mobile working?

When working remotely, your employees do their job from anywhere — and simply via mobile devices. The decisive Difference between mobile work and home office: Work typically takes place at different locations and is not limited to one's own home. The only important thing is that accessibility is ensured.

This distinction is not only conceptually relevant, but also has legal consequences.

Legal basis for mobile working

In Germany, employees can generally express their wish to work remotely at any time — for example from home or on the go. However, there is currently no legal claim to this. If you enable mobile working, you do so on a voluntary basis and can therefore agree on the framework conditions individually with your employees.

It is important to note that even though mobile working is not defined by law, this in no way means that there are no rules. On the contrary — as an employer, you remain responsible. The Occupational Health and Safety Act (ArbSchG) applies without restriction, as is the Working Hours Act (ArbZG).

In concrete terms, this means:

• In accordance with Section 5 (1) ArbSchG, you must carry out a risk assessment in order to identify potential risks and define appropriate protective measures.
• They are required to ergonomics at work and to ensure the safety and health of your employees even outside the factory.
• Requirements for working hours, rest breaks and rest periods as well as the prohibition of working on Sundays and public holidays apply regardless of the place of work.

A major difference to teleworking is that the Workplace Ordinance does not apply to mobile working. It only applies to permanently furnished workplaces — for example in home offices or in company rooms. By the way, there are separate regulations for mobile working in the public sector.

Mobile working in a hybrid work model

Most companies today no longer rely on either/or, but on both: employees work partly in the office, partly from home or on the go. This hybrid model brings noticeably more satisfaction and productivity — because it combines flexibility with structure.

Thanks to powerful laptops, secure cloud solutions and BYODconcepts (Bring Your Own Device) have long since become part of everyday life. Nevertheless, the office workplace remains the place where concentrated work, creative exchange and data protection work best together. It's the mix that counts: mobile work ensures mobility, the office provides stability and a sense of team.

Hybrid models also offer interesting opportunities for employers: If all employees are no longer in the office at the same time, the required office space be significantly reduced. that saves significant costs for rent, energy and infrastructure. Flexible Desk sharing concepts This enables you to use your spaces more efficiently in connection with mobile work.

However, it is important that you make clear rules if you allow your teams to work remotely: When are face-to-face days required? How is the collaboration organized? What technical equipment is provided?

Tax return for mobile working

One topic that your employees might be interested in: tax deductibility. Since 2023, there have been two ways in which employees can deduct their costs for mobile working from tax.

First, they can use the home office package and claim a flat rate of up to 1,260 euros (or 6 euros per mobile working day) for tax purposes — but for a maximum of 210 days a year. The daily rate is entered in form N by specifying the number of days spent working from home.

Secondly, it is possible to calculate the real costs of a furnished study within your own four walls. However, these must be able to be proven and substantiated.

In addition, your team members can also deduct costs for professional activities, such as travel expenses for trips to the customer. The tax return for mobile working can therefore be worthwhile and should be addressed when communicating with your employees.

What are the benefits of working remotely?

Mobile working has numerous advantages — both for employees and companies. Let's take a closer look at the most important ones.

Higher productivity and better concentration

Many employees report that they can work more efficiently on the move than in an open-plan office. Complex tasks can be completed better without constant interruptions from colleagues. Die productivity increases because you can choose the working environment yourself — whether it's a quiet café, your own apartment or a hotel lounge. The only important thing is that the technical equipment is correct, that data protection is ensured and that concentration is possible.

More flexibility and work-life balance

Mobile working makes it possible to better reconcile work and private life. Who not every day Commuting to work must, saves time and nerves. Instead of spending two hours a day stuck in traffic or on overcrowded trains, you can use this time more wisely. This results in less stress and a better quality of life. However, can Work-life blending — i.e. the mixing of work and private life — can also become a burden if no clear limits are drawn, especially when working remotely.

Cost savings for companies and employees

For your company, mobile working means that you can reduce costs. Less office space, lower energy costs, less spending — that quickly adds up. Employees also save money: there are no travel costs, food is cheaper and you can also be more relaxed when it comes to dress code.

Access to a larger talent pool

If the work location is flexible, you can recruit talented professionals from other cities or even countries, as the geographical restriction is removed. This increases the chances of finding the best talent — an advantage that should not be underestimated, especially in times of a shortage of skilled workers.

Increased employee satisfaction and retention

New Work studies show: People who can work flexibly are happier with their job. Employee satisfaction increases, fluctuation decreases. People appreciate being trusted and being able to decide for themselves where they want to work. This strengthens the bond with your company and makes you more attractive as an employer.

What are the disadvantages of mobile work?

As positive as mobile working is, there are certainly challenges that you should consider when considering this option:

Restricted social interaction

The spontaneous exchange in the coffee kitchen, the informal conversation after the meeting — all of this is missing when working remotely. The social component of work is partially lost, which can have a negative effect on team spirit and corporate culture. After all, video conferences and virtual meetings only replace personal contact to a limited extent.

Technical and ergonomic challenges

The Internet connection is not stable everywhere and not every mobile workplace offers good ergonomics. Anyone who works permanently on the sofa, in a café or at the kitchen table risks back pain and tension. Health in the home office and when working remotely should not be neglected.

Privacy and security risks

Anyone working abroad or on a train must pay particular attention to data protection. Open WiFi networks are a security risk and screens can be viewed by outsiders. That's why you should communicate clear security guidelines and provide technical solutions such as VPN connections — it's best to set this down in an agreement.

Checklist for mobile working

What should you prepare in advance so that your employees can work remotely? Finally, it is important to minimize the challenges just described. Good planning is therefore essential. The following checklist for mobile working helps you not to forget anything:

• Determine the type of mobile work (e.g. at home or at different locations? Once, occasionally, or regularly?)

Set up a secure VPN connection

• Ensure access to all relevant systems and tools

• Make employment contract agreements for mobile work

• Clearly define working hours and availability

• Communicate privacy policies

• Carry out a risk assessment in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act

• Schedule regular virtual team meetings

• Name a contact person for technical issues

• Provide information on ergonomic work and, if necessary, grant subsidies for ergonomic equipment

• Conduct training on how to handle data securely

• Set guidelines for using public WiFi networks

• Ensuring sensitive data is encrypted

• Rules for Workation or Home office abroad define

• Gather feedback regularly and adjust processes

This ensures that when implementing mobile working in your company, everything is done right and that you can take full advantage of the benefits.

conclusion

Mobile working is more than just a trend — it is a sustainable change in our working world. The flexibility offered by this form of work benefits both your company and your employees. They can cut costs, use their office space more efficiently and at the same time become more attractive to talent. Your employees benefit from more autonomy, less commute time and a better work-life balance.

At the same time, however, the challenges must not be underestimated. Anyone who wants to successfully implement mobile working should rely on a well-thought-out strategy. With the right preparation and a checklist for mobile working, the Work 4.0 Nothing more in the way.