by Due to the increasing number of infections, many people are currently working from home – a measure that the Federal Cabinet has specified in the Occupational Health and Safety Ordinance. This has already been extended several times and is provisionally valid until April, 30th. It obliges employers to offer home office for the employees – provided there are no compelling operational reasons to the contrary. “With the extension of the applicable Occupational Health and Safety Ordinance, we are strengthening occupational safety and making a certain contribution to further curbing the incidence of infection,” Federal Labor Minister Hubertus Heil is quoted as saying on the federal government’s website.
High performance pressure and overtime in the home office
On the one hand, the home office is a good way to do your work as usual and to protect yourself and other people. In addition, there are no longer journey times for commuters and it offers employees a certain flexibility in their everyday work. However, there are also dark sides in the home office.
For the “AI@Work” study commissioned by the cloud infrastructure platform Oracle, around 12,000 people from eleven countries were surveyed about the work situation during the corona pandemic in the summer. According to the study, seven out of ten people felt 2020 as the most stressful year to work at all. More than three-quarters of the respondents (78 percent) report that their psychological well-being is impaired – in Germany, a good two-thirds (68 percent) state this. Overall, young people are the most affected. Around 41 percent of the people surveyed say that they are reported at work every day with stress factors such as pressure to perform or an excessive workload. Around a third stated that they work more in the home office and do more overtime. One in four (25 percent) encourages burnout because of the extra work.
Home office: The boundaries between work and leisure are blurring
According to a study by the Technical University (TU) Chemnitz in cooperation with the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), around 60 percent usually state that the boundaries between work and private life are blurred when working from home. More than one in four (27 percent) perceives this as a burden.
Working from home: stress for working mothers
Director of Studies Professor Dr. Bertolt Meyer from Chemnitz University of Technology said: “Looking at a certain period of time, it is noticeable that working women in the home office with small children feel exhausted from the double burden.” Especially in times when the corona restrictions are particularly strict and, for example, daycare centers and schools are closed, the burden on those affected is particularly strong.
Tips for working successfully from home
dr Sai-Lila Rees from the Institute for Occupational Health Consulting (IFBG): “One of the most important prerequisites when working remotely is a culture of trust. Employees also want to do a good job at home. Trust on the part of the employer ensures motivation.” In order to work productively and healthily from home, the right technical and ergonomic equipment at the workplace is required. In addition, communication and social aspects contribute to home office success. Digital work meetings via teams, zoom and co should therefore take place regularly. Rees recommends certain collaborative tandems. “So you always have a colleague with whom you can exchange ideas on a regular basis.”
For many employees it is a challenge to separate work and leisure. Therefore, stick to fixed structures and start at the usual time, take breaks and be on time when you finish work. Even if jogging pants are comfortable, dress in the home office as you normally would for work. Since dying due to the corona pandemic and home office solution Movement is neglected and back pain is inevitable should go out during your lunch break or after work. Walk 30 to 60 minutes a day, go jogging in the park or ride a bike. During work, stand up regularly and straighten your back to counteract pain in the lower back.
who himself Professional, psychological help search can find support online. Various health insurance companies such as Barmer, AOK or TK offer self-help programs as a bridging or supportive measure. Providers such as My7steps enable psychological online short-term therapy on the topics of stress, depression, anxiety or depression.
