Team Trenkwalder
2 months ago
•7 min read
Time off work due to extremely hot weather - is that possible?
What rules apply when it's too hot to work?
Temperatures are climbing above 30 degrees Celsius and the sun is blazing down from the sky.
Summer is not always a pleasure, especially for people with physically demanding jobs.
At school, there is pupils get time off during such times - but does this also apply to working life? And what do you as a company need to do to support your employees against the heat in the workplace?
In Germany, there is no nationwide regulation for extensive heat waves that governs the right of employees to time off work. This means that there is no legal entitlement to free days at high temperatures in Germany.
In principle, there is also no legal entitlement to air conditioning or other temperature regulations. Nevertheless, it should be noted:
If temperatures rise above 26 degrees in the workplace, companies must provide sun protection in the form of blinds or awnings.
From 30 degrees, additional measures must be taken, such as adjusted working hours if there are no flexible working time arrangements. In addition, fans or mobile air conditioning units must be provided at these temperatures, as well as chilled drinks.
Above 35 degrees room temperature, the workplace is unsuitable as a workspace. In this case, the workplace must either be moved to another room or to a home office.
As a general rule, the room climate must be adapted to the human organism. In detail, this means that it must be possible to reduce solar radiation, the humidity should be adjustable and, ideally, also the temperature.
With these 5 tips, you can create additional coolness in your company's workplace:
#1 Ventilate at night, block out the sun during daytime
Opening the windows in the evening can help to keep the room temperature low. Airing the room early in the morning also helps to regulate the room temperature. During the day, windows should be closed and direct sunlight largely avoided, e.g. by using blinds or roller blinds.
#2 Relax the dress code
If your company has a dress code, adapting it can make a big difference. Airy clothing made of cotton or linen is suitable for business and can be a great relief in hot weather.
When working outdoors, headgear, sunscreen and sunglasses are a must for personal sun protection.
#3 Fans and mini air conditioners
Fans don't cool the air, but they do help keep the air circulating and not stagnant. Mini air conditioners or air coolers are an inexpensive alternative and can provide some temporary relief.
#4 Drink, drink, drink
Water, unsweetened fruit juices or tea are best. Frozen fruit in water can provide variety. An alternative from warmer countries is lukewarm tea, as this helps your body to equalize its temperature.
Offer cool drinks or a tea bar in your company for your employees to cool down.
#5 Breaks & cooling down in between
Offer your employees the opportunity to take more breaks. This allows them to refresh themselves in between. For example, you can put towels in the freezer compartment and offer your employees a cool towel.
Your employees will also appreciate an ice cream or chilled fruit.
Remember that performance and concentration levels can drop by up to 70% on hot days.
Make it easier for your employees to work on hot days and create a pleasant working environment.
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BEST RECRUITERS 2023/2024
Munich, 4 September 2024 - Press Release
Trenkwalder has been awarded 1st place in the independent recruiting study BEST RECRUITERS 2023/2024, securing the top position in the industry in Germany this year.
As the most comprehensive recruiting study in German-speaking countries, BEST RECRUITERS annually analyses recruiting quality in Germany, Austria and Switzerland from the perspective of applicants. The award recognises Trenkwalder's commitment and outstanding success in attracting and successfully integrating talented specialists for client companies. The Trenkwalder Group relies on innovative recruiting methods such as WhatsApp applications and a high degree of digitalisation to meet applicants where they are in their everyday lives.
‘The award is an important milestone for us and a great confirmation of our efforts, especially in the last year,’ says Mark Pollok, Managing Director of Trenkwalder Personaldienste GmbH Deutschland and CEO of Trenkwalder Group AG. ‘With our brand relaunch, we have set new standards in the industry and sharpened our identity as a company. The award emphasises that we are able to do outstanding work in a highly competitive market and clearly position ourselves through our modern, effective recruiting strategies.’
Trenkwalder is thus continuing its successful path of implementing the highest quality standards, especially in digital recruiting services. The award underlines Trenkwalder's leading role in recruitment services.
In addition to the award within the industry, the personnel service provider also secured fourth place in the overall cross-industry ranking of 1,200 employers surveyed in the D-A-CH region. This once again highlights the high level of satisfaction of applicants with the candidate journey at Trenkwalder.
‘An optimised candidate journey is a decisive factor for our success: regular feedback allows us to make targeted adjustments and ensure that our application processes are transparent, efficient and appreciative. As a result, we not only attract the best talents, but also offer them an exceptional application experience that creates trust and strengthens our brand in the long term. That is how we have succeeded in setting innovative standards in the industry,’ explains Michaela Hrdlicka, Head of Applicant Management at Trenkwalder Personaldienste GmbH Germany.
Press contact:
presse@trenkwalder.com
On request we will be happy to provide you with further images for your reporting and arrange an interview with Michaela Hrdlicka, Head of strategic Marketing & Recruiting, or Mark Pollok, CEO of Trenkwalder Group AG, CEO Trenkwalder Germany and Austria.
About BEST RECRUITERS
The BEST RECRUITERS study is the largest recruiting study in German-speaking countries and analyses the recruiting quality of companies in the D-A-CH region from the applicants' perspective every year.
About TRENKWALDER
Trenkwalder is one of the leading outsourcing service providers in Central and Eastern Europe and is represented in 16 European countries. With over 38 years of experience and more than 200 locations, Trenkwalder has gradually developed over the past years from a pure temporary staffing and personnel consulting company into a leading partner in Europe for holistic hybrid solutions: Today, the group offers solutions in the areas of HR services, outsourcing and technology as a strategic partner for clients from all sectors of the economy.
About the DROEGE GROUP
The Droege Group (founded in 1988) is an independent investment and consulting firm, wholly family-owned. The company acts as a specialist for tailor-made transformation programmes with the aim of increasing corporate value. The Droege Group combines its family business structure and capital strength into a family equity business model. The Group invests equity in ‘special opportunities’ focussing on medium-sized companies and spin-offs as well as strategically in buy & build transactions. With the guiding principle of ‘realisation - by every trick in the book’, the group is one of the pioneers of realisation-oriented corporate development. The Droege Group's entrepreneurial platforms are geared towards long-term megatrends. Enthusiasm for quality, innovation and speed determines the company's development. The Droege Group has successfully positioned itself in the market both nationally and internationally and is operationally active with its entrepreneurial platforms in 30 countries.
Interested in finding out more? Then stay tuned!
Remote Work and Workation - Exploring modern work models
The way we work has evolved significantly in recent years, with flexible work models like Remote Work and Workation gaining prominence. But what exactly do these terms mean?
Remote Work vs. Home Office - Key legal differences
The term "Home Office" is often used to describe working from home, but labor law distinguishes between telecommuting (Home Office) and mobile working (Remote Work).
Telecommuting involves setting up a permanent workspace in the employee's home, adhering to workplace regulations. Employers must provide the necessary equipment and follow occupational health and safety rules.
On the other hand, mobile working allows employees to work from various locations—such as trains, cafes, or even the beach—without being bound by the same stringent regulations. This gives companies greater flexibility but also places more responsibility on them regarding health and safety and working time regulations.
Workation - Blending work and vacation
A growing trend in mobile work is the "Workation," a combination of "Work" and "Vacation." This model allows professionals to work remotely while enjoying a vacation. Not only does this make companies more attractive in the talent market, but according to the Institute for German Economy (iwd) it also enhances employee satisfaction, creativity, and productivity.
However, before planning a Workation, consider the following:
• Legal Requirements: These vary by country and require clear agreements between employees and employers.
• Tax, Visa, and Insurance: Clarify these regulations in advance to avoid any complications.
• Technical Needs: Ensure a reliable internet connection and necessary work equipment. Coordination with the company's IT department can help meet all technical requirements.
Legal Requirements: These vary by country and require clear agreements between employees and employers.
Tax, Visa, and Insurance: Clarify these regulations in advance to avoid any complications.
Technical Needs: Ensure a reliable internet connection and necessary work equipment. Coordination with the company's IT department can help meet all technical requirements.
The future of work is evolving
In a globalized world where the lines between work and personal life continue to blur, flexible work models like Remote Work and Workation offer viable solutions to modern work demands. By embracing and supporting these models, companies can enhance their appeal and transform their teams' working methods.
Interested in finding out more? Then stay tuned!
Working from Home: Tips for summer and beyond
Working from home has become a staple of the modern work environment, especially following the global pandemic. Flexible work models, such as remote work, offer numerous benefits for both companies and employees. But how can you make the most of this working style?
Benefits and challenges of working from home
For many employees, working from home provides greater time and flexibility. Reduced commute times, lower stress levels, and fewer distractions can even boost productivity. Moreover, it allows for better work-life balance, especially during vacation periods when many families need to care for their children at home. According to studies by the Hans-Böckler-Foundation, 77% of respondents appreciate the benefits of working from home in this context. This positive effect is also supported by a PwC study, which found increased productivity among 57% of the surveyed managers.
Despite its numerous advantages, working from home also presents challenges. The boundaries between work and personal life can blur easily, leading to increased stress, overwork, and even burnout.
Tips for productive work from home
Create a distraction-free environment: When you're not alone at home, working without interruptions can be challenging. Clear agreements with family members about times and spaces for focused work are essential. Noise-cancelling headphones can help you concentrate better, even in a lively environment.
Establish a dedicated workspace: Psychologically, it's important to have a specific area designated for work. This helps differentiate between work mode and leisure mode. Having a dedicated workspace promotes concentration and structure in your daily routine. At the end of the day, leave your workspace as you would leave the office. Maintaining a clear separation between work and personal life is crucial to preserving work-life balance while working from home.
Minimize distractions: Turn off notifications on your smartphone and avoid working in environments with too many stimuli. Ensure that your workspace is free of personal items that could distract you.
Invest in your work environment: An ergonomic setup with a good office chair, an adjustable desk, and a stable internet connection is key to long-term comfort. Companies should invest in their employees' home office infrastructure to ensure optimal working conditions.
Maintain a clear structure: Set clear daily goals and plan your tasks and break times intentionally. A structured approach helps you stay efficient. Regular breaks are essential to avoid burnout.
Working from home offers many opportunities if done right. With the right tips and good preparation, employees can remain productive, especially during the summer holidays. A balanced approach to work and family life, along with a well-adapted work environment, is crucial. Clear agreements and a structured work style can help you make the most of working from home—not just in summer, but all year round.
Interested in finding out more? Then stay tuned!
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