Here to Stay? Hybrid forms of work and their social implications

New study sheds light on the prevalence, acceptance, development prospects and consequences of hybrid forms of work in Germany
Cover TA-Kompakt Nr. 2, Gesellschaftliche Auswirkungen hybrider Arbeitsformen
What are the medium- and long-term impacts on society? The study provides information on the impacts of hybrid forms of work and gaps in knowledge and understanding from a technology assessment perspective.

Hybrid forms of work, which allow for a combination of onsite and offsite work, have become particularly widespread in Germany in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study explores the current prevalence of these forms of work, their acceptance by employers and employees, and their health, economic and social impacts.

The study shows that hybrid forms of work remain relevant and are likely to become more common in the future across a range of industries. Technological innovations, such as digital collaboration platforms, as well as new management styles and corporate cultures are seen as critical to success.

Employees value hybrid working primarily for the improved work-life balance, reduced commuting time, and a greater degree of scheduling autonomy. Employers have been able to overcome their initial scepticism about the home office through positive experiences, although in some areas there is still a strong emphasis on being present at the workplace.

The study points out that hybrid working can have both positive effects, such as a better work-life balance, and negative effects, such as ergonomic problems and increased productivity pressure. There is also a risk of increasing social inequalities and polarisation if not all groups of workers can benefit equally from the flexible opportunities offered by hybrid work.

The issues addressed in the study and the options for action presented provide an up-to-date and well-founded information base on an issue of growing importance for labour market, social, health, and environmental policy.

The main findings are summarised in five questions and answers, which are available online on the project page.

The new TA-Kompakt series has its origins in the likewise new TA-Kompakt analysis format, which serves the information needs of the German Bundestag on current and controversial topics in a concise form.

30.01.2025

Download and further informationen