Work-life balance, eagerness to return to office crucial, Xing finds

The majority (70 per cent) of the surveyed Xing members worked partially or exclusively at home in early May. However, more than half of Germans (51 per cent) were looking forward to working in the office again, according to the survey. Around 91 per cent of respondents missed their colleagues and social contacts in the office the most. Around 66 per cent appreciate the improved separation of work and career while 41 per cent noted the improved work equipment. Some 37 per cent said they were more productive in the office than in their home office.

At the same time, 76 per cent of respondents said the working world and working methods have changed in recent weeks. This was most noticeable in more flexible working hours (approx. 40 per cent). However, the same percentage of respondents had difficulties separating work and private life. The crisis has prompted employees to question their job situation and redefine their work preferences, the study found. More than half of respondents in Germany believe that work-life balance has become more important followed by job security (46 per cent) in second place and flexible working hours (44 per cent). As the comparison of German-speaking countries shows, Germany came second in terms of short-time working. Austria had the highest number of short-time employees and Switzerland had the lowest. 

A total of 2,196 Xing members in Germany, Austria and Switzerland took part in the survey. Most respondents were so-called white collar workers or people in occupational groups focusing on business, consulting, administration and engineering, professions with artistic or creative activities as well as health care, curative education and social professions. The survey for the "Corona Barometer" will be held regularly from early June.

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