On account of the current pandemic, a large proportion of employees are currently working from home. One way or another, this has to work, regardless of an employee’s personal circumstances or the quality of their home Internet connection. But what does it actually mean for employees? Does it generate extra stress? Or is it pleasanter than was first thought? How good is collaboration with colleagues and consultation with customers and research partners? And how might things develop in the future?
To answer these questions, the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO has organized a survey of employees working from home. It was designed in cooperation with partners from the joint research initiative Office 21. Everyone currently working from home, either fully or partially, now has the opportunity to take part in the coronavirus home office survey. Respondents are asked about their workspace at home, about their productivity and creativity, and about how they interact with colleagues and research partners. The survey also looks at the impact on their wellbeing.
The follow-up study will identify interdependencies and produce scenarios for future working
Unlike regular questionnaires, our survey provides respondents with a personal feedback on how their responses compare to those of other respondents. The ultimate aim of the survey is to produce a follow-up study mapping out interdependencies that exist above and beyond the current situation. “By comparing ways of working before and during the pandemic, and by identifying the advantages and disadvantages of working from home, we will be able to devise scenarios that will then help us prepare for future pandemics and the digitalization of the working world,” explains Milena Bockstahler, research associate at Fraunhofer IAO. The survey takes approximately 10 minutes. All responses will be treated anonymously and confidentially.
Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO