Businesses' preferences and drawbacks regarding remote work arrangements - Preferences and Dislikes of Corporations Regarding Remote Work Environments
Article Title: Post-Pandemic Trends Reveal Continued Embrace of Home Office in Manufacturing and Information Sectors
According to a survey conducted by the Mannheim-based economic research institute ZEW in June 2025, the trend of home office (working from home, WFH) is set to continue in the manufacturing and information sectors, with companies recognising both advantages and disadvantages.
The survey, which included around 1,200 companies from both sectors, found that more than 80% of companies in the information industry and about half in the manufacturing sector allow at least one day of WFH per week. Furthermore, nearly one-third of companies in both sectors plan to expand their remote work offerings[1].
Advantages of Home Office
The survey results indicate that companies see several benefits in adopting home office. Larger companies, those with at least 100 employees, have a significantly higher usage rate of home office. In the manufacturing sector, 88 percent of such companies offered home office options, and in the information industry, it was almost all companies of this size with 98 percent[1].
The advantages of home office for companies include increased flexibility and employee satisfaction. More than two-thirds of the surveyed companies see an advantage in the job satisfaction of employees through hybrid work models[1].
Disadvantages of Home Office
Despite the advantages, the survey also notes some challenges associated with remote work. More than two-thirds of companies see disadvantages in the impact on internal communication and teamwork when it comes to hybrid work models[1].
While the survey does not detail these disadvantages extensively, common challenges in other discussions of hybrid work include communication difficulties, reduced direct supervision, and potential impacts on teamwork[2].
Future of Home Office
Despite some challenges, the survey suggests that companies with existing home office offers expect an increase in employees working from home. However, around ten percent of companies plan to reduce or end their home office offers in the next two years, likely due to the aforementioned challenges[1].
Views on employee retention are divided, with almost half seeing advantages and around one-third expecting disadvantages[1]. At least some employees worked from home at least once a week in 80 percent of information industry companies, and in about half of the manufacturing sector companies[1].
In the information industry, 29 percent expect an increase in employees working from home, and in the manufacturing sector, it is 34 percent[1]. Thus, while home office is broadly welcomed and expected to grow post-pandemic, companies also recognise disadvantages that temper full enthusiasm[1][2].
The survey highlights a trend towards hybrid work models balancing flexibility with operational needs, as companies strive to meet the needs of their employees while maintaining productivity and company culture.
[1] ZEW Survey Press Release, June 2025. [2] Various discussions on hybrid work challenges, 2022-2025.
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