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In the fight against the spread of the pandemic, one culprit is currently in focus: the employer who forces employees into the office.

The Greens, for example, want to introduce a motion to the Bundestag to ensure that more home offices are enforced.

Of course: Allowing home office wherever possible should be a matter of course in view of the current situation.

If employees want that and can do their work well at home, then compelling companies to be present in the office is absurd.

Public pressure is an important tool here to convert black sheep.

The calls for new legal regulations, however, are hardly helpful.

The relationship between employers and employees should be based on mutual trust.

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It is too complex and individual to turn everything around for the better through blanket regulations of the legislature.

Proponents of the right to work from home want to use the opportunity to advance their concerns that were already cherished before the crisis.

Even if there are some arguments in favor of it, the pandemic is not a good one.

Appeals must also be directed at employees

On the contrary.

The past year has shown that employees and their bosses in a large part of the companies have realized the cooperation from a distance surprisingly quickly - without legal rules, but through sensible agreements.

There is no proven, widespread refusal by employers.

If you want to distribute a buck at all, you have to at least include the employees.

After months of isolation, some long for personal exchange with colleagues.

Appeals to avoid unnecessary contacts should therefore also go to them.

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There are other reasons why interest in 40 hours of working from home is limited every week: improvising at home is a burden for many, and in some areas where home office is basically possible, at least occasional physical meetings are essential.

And one point should not be forgotten that often takes a back seat: According to estimates by labor market researchers, more than half of the employees have jobs that are not at all suitable for the home office.

The focus should be on ensuring that hygiene concepts are actually adhered to at their workplaces and that the health risks there are limited.