The COVID-19 pandemic as a catalyst for digitalisation and remote working in Germany

Abstract

Remote working is ideal for medical writers, but up until a few years ago, was not widely available to those looking for a remote position with a German employer. Even though Germany is a developed country, its digitalisation has long been lagging, and moreover, the work culture is still in many places characterised by presenteeism. The COVID-19 pandemic has given the country a well-needed push in the right direction; one year after the first lockdown, five times as many people worked from home than before, and hopefully, many of those who appreciate it will retain this option. This article will give an impression of the 2020–2022 “home office revolution” in Germany. Hopefully, remote working will continue to be a possibility for German medical writers in the future.