Common Misconceptions About Mobile Working In Germany
Over the past several years,
Germany has emerged as the destination of choice for people looking to set up a
new venture or to expand their existing business. In most such cases, the
foreign investors make sure to gain detailed information about the various
aspects of setting up a GmbH in Germany
and the regulations associated with the process. However, they overlook the
importance of understanding the similarities and differences in the employment
laws as applicable in Germany and other parts of the globe. This is especially
true with respect to the concept of mobile working which has become a popular
method of working in most other countries. In fact, there are several
misconceptions about mobile working that foreign investors need to be aware of
to avoid any legal issues with respect to employment laws in Germany.
Legality
Of Mobile Working
Most foreign investors are
unaware of the fact that mobile working is not legally allowed within Germany
or any other European country except Netherlands. In fact, mobile working is
allowed in Germany only if there is a prior provision for the same in the employment
contract or company agreement of the employee. Even in such cases, the
permission is granted by the employers after thoroughly accessing the reasons
that might prompt the employees to make such requests. In fact, employees are
not allowed to make this decision on their own and can be issued a warning by
the employers if they take any such action without proper permission.
Mobile
Working Is Equivalent To Flexible Work Hours
Most investors forming a GmbH in Germany, believe that
allowing the freedom of mobile working to their employees automatically makes
it possible for them to choose more flexible working hours. However, this is
not true as mobile working is only about change in the place of work rather
than about getting flexible timing. The law is extremely strict on this matter
and requires the employees opting for this facility to adhere to the same work
timings and hours as they used to follow at company location. This is one of
the major reasons behind the lesser number of professionals opting for mobile
working in Germany.
Mobile
Working Is The Same As Working From Home Office
In most countries, where mobile
working is quite popular, the term is often used interchangeably with home
office working. However, in Germany, the two concepts are significantly
different and hence need to be understood and used as such. Here, allowing an
employee to work from a home office requires the employer to set up a fixed
workplace outside the company office. Employees opting to work from home office
are restricted to this fixed workplace only. On the other hand, mobile working
enables an employee to work outside the company without remaining restricted to
a fixed workplace.
Data
Protection Takes A Back Seat
Investors considering company formation Germany may allow
their employees to undertake mobile working only after ensuring data protection
and security beyond company location. The employees are required to take the
necessary steps and measures to ensure safety and confidentiality of even the
most insignificant data and documents at all times and minimizing the risk of
data leakage.
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