Bitkom: 56% of German firms have cut remote working since Covid, and a third plan further cuts

More than half of German companies have scaled back remote working since the pandemic, according to a representative survey of 603 firms with 20 or more staff published by the digital industry association Bitkom on 5 November 2026. 39% have reduced it and 17% have abolished it altogether. 54% still allow it today, and 35% plan to reduce it further (Bitkom; English summary at heise).

Why this matters

The same firms say the opposite in the same survey: 63% find it harder to hire without remote working, and 71% say it helps staff balance work and family. If you are applying to German employers, remote or hybrid terms are still negotiable, particularly in roles that are hard to fill. Get them in the contract rather than relying on current practice.

Context

Germany has no statutory right to request remote work, so arrangements depend on contracts and works agreements. For the options open to people who want to work for German companies from elsewhere, see our guide to remote work in Germany for EU citizens.