Law & occupational safety
Do employees in Germany have a right to work from home?
No, there is no general statutory right. A claim can arise from the employment contract, a works agreement, a collective agreement or established company practice.
Conversely employers cannot unilaterally order remote work when it is not agreed – managerial authority does not extend into a private home. Both directions need a legal basis.
Long, unchallenged practice can create established company practice. To retain flexibility, limit arrangements in time or add a properly drafted revocation clause.
A written policy creates clarity for both sides: who may work from home, how often, with what availability and under what conditions.
Key points
- No general statutory entitlement
- Claims possible from contract, works agreement or practice
- Employers cannot order it without an agreement
This page provides professional orientation, not legal or tax advice.
More answers
- What is the difference between home office, telework and mobile work?
- Is a risk assessment mandatory for home office work?
- What fines apply for missing occupational safety in home offices?
- Is an accident in the home office a workplace accident?
- Does the works council co-determine remote work?
- Must working time be recorded when working from home?