Skip to main content
Home office in 2024 - what's the status?

Home office in 2024 - what's the status?

Published: 10 December 2024

When the pandemic hit in March 2020, many employees had to abruptly adapt to working from home - which quickly became the new normal. But what does the situation look like today? How are companies adapting to work-from-home arrangements, and what challenges are employers facing? Here's an updated status for 2024.

Findings from research

Recent research shows that around half of those who can, work from home at least one day a week. Flexibility seems to be the key; employees are happiest with a mix of working from home and physical presence at work.

A flexible arrangement contributes to increased well-being, but also poses challenges - for example, when it comes to the boundaries between work and leisure. Many report higher workloads and a feeling of ‘always being on’. This emphasises the importance of good policies to help employees balance work and leisure.

There is also a clear tendency for more people to work from home when they are sick or have sick children. It's therefore a good idea for HR departments to set clear guidelines and communicate what is expected in such cases.

Concentration and confidence

Many employees actually experience higher productivity when working from home, especially in terms of concentration and immersion. Many appreciate the flexibility and feel that it builds trust when they can control their own working day. At the same time, it's important that employers maintain an open dialogue about expectations and tasks, so that flexibility isn't misunderstood as an expectation to be available at all times.

Are employers skeptical about employees working from home?

Surveys from Fagforbundet Oslo show that many employees are still not allowed to work from home, even though the nature of their work dictates it. This creates a potential source of dissatisfaction among employees, especially if the management itself utilises a home office. There is also great variation in the type of equipment the employer covers for the home office, which can be perceived as unfair by employees.

Are employees entitled to a home office?

In short, no. The employer can stipulate that the workplace should be on the company's premises. If a home office has not been specifically agreed, employees are not entitled to it. At the same time, the employer cannot require employees to work permanently from home if the employment contract does not allow for this.

Useful points for the employer

To make the transition to a smooth home office arrangement easier for both employee and employer, it can be useful to keep the following in mind:

  • A written agreement on home office for the individual.
  • The rules on working hours in the Working Environment Act apply in full, even when working from home.
  • The agreement should specify who covers equipment and ensures that the working environment is safe, including the psychosocial environment.

Remember that occupational injury insurance does not necessarily cover injuries in the home office. See more in our article here.

How is home office practised in your company?

At Littler, we'd love to hear from you - what has worked best and what challenges do you face? Let's find good and flexible solutions together!

Sources:

https://stami.no/ny-kunnskap-om-hjemmekontor-arbeidsmiljo-og-helse/

https://www.fagforbundet.no/a/377024/fagforeninger/oslo/aktuelt/sann-vil-vi-ha-det--en-rapport-om-hjemmekontor-og-hybridarbeid/

https://www.aftenposten.no/meninger/kronikk/i/253xzx/forskere-hjemmekontor-i-passe-mengder-kan-fremme-helse

Contact us

Tel (+47) 23 89 75 70
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Sign up for our newsletter
Privacy policy

Address

Akersgata 28
0158 Oslo

LinkedIn

Firm Logo