In recent years, “home office” or remote work has become a popular topic in personnel management. Many companies claim to offer this option to their employees, but in reality, it is only available for a small fraction of job positions.
According to a recent report, the job portal Volnamista.cz currently lists 40,000 job offers from various industries nationwide. However, only a meager number of around 2,000 positions explicitly allow for remote work. The situation is slightly better for flexible working hours, with approximately 3,500 open positions offering this benefit.
Home office arrangements are more commonly found in IT professions, marketing and communication roles, and the insurance and sales sectors. For example, the company MEVA-TEC is seeking a representative in Šumperk who can work remotely. The ideal candidate should have a good understanding of computer technology and mechanical engineering, and the company even provides a company car for both business and private use.
In addition to profit-oriented companies, non-profit organizations offer remote work opportunities, especially those connected to grant projects. It is interesting to note that these positions often come with above-average starting salaries. One Prague-based non-profit organization, for instance, offers monthly salaries ranging from 43,000 to 45,000 CZK for administrative roles related to grant projects. This work can be done from home and involves communication with donors, including municipalities, cities, and regions, to secure further funding for the organization’s activities.
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly accelerated the popularity of home office arrangements, particularly among the younger generation. According to a company survey, three out of five people under 35 prefer this method. However, older generations tend to be more cautious about remote work. Almost 40% of companies now offer a hybrid work model that combines office and remote work, as personal interactions in the workplace often facilitate the exchange of information and ideas.
While some companies have observed decreased productivity among employees working from home, very few managers discuss limiting the home office option. The fear of losing employees due to the scarcity of skilled workers prevails. Irena Vrbová from the consulting company Porto stated that companies recognize the impact of the hybrid work model on corporate culture but find it challenging to revert to a more office-centric approach.
There is a growing trend of employees who are unwilling to go beyond their job responsibilities, which both Irena Vrbová and several HR professionals note. Working from home may not be advantageous for everyone, as it can lead to procrastination or overworking. Striking a balance between work and personal life remains challenging for many individuals.
Moreover, there is a considerable demand for part-time positions, particularly among young people responsible for caring for children and seniors. Volnamista.cz offers over 3,800 temporary positions and 2,500 freelance opportunities out of the total job offers available.