The coronavirus home office survey explores the impact of working from home

The coronavirus home office survey, along with immediate feedback on respondents' answers, will feed into a study based on an analysis of the current work situation and its impact on employee collaboration and wellbeing

People working from home are currently being asked to take part in a survey by Fraunhofer IAO on their current work situation. Its purpose is to analyze the quality of collaboration with colleagues and research partners, to gauge respondents' wellbeing and to evaluate the quality of their work. A study based on this survey will then make inferences with regard to a range of factors as well as future developments.

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."

Milena Bockstahler, research associate at Fraunhofer IAO

The survey takes approximately 10 minutes. All responses will be treated anonymously and confidentially.