Amira van Weegen
Junior Marketing Manager
October 24, 2025
Guidelines for Remote Work in the Public Sector: An Overview of Rights and Obligations
7 mins.
What does mobile working mean in the public sector & what rules apply?
Mobile working in the public sector means more flexibility in terms of location and time. Employees can complete their tasks independently of a fixed workplace, whether from home, on the go, or at another suitable location. This not only enhances autonomy but also improves the work-life balance.
However, with this new freedom come obligations: clear rules on data protection, occupational safety, and technical equipment are essential. At the same time, challenges develop, such as a lack of digital infrastructure, difficult communication, or the separation between work and leisure.
In this article, you'll learn about the rights and obligations associated with mobile working in the public sector and how clear guidelines ensure that flexibility and efficiency remain aligned.
Mobile Work, Home Office & Telecommuting: What Are the Differences?
Before we delve deeper into the rules and frameworks, we should first differentiate the key terms from each other. Because "mobile working," "home office," and "telecommuting" are often used interchangeably, but they do not mean the same thing.
Mobile working means that you can fulfill your tasks independently of location, not only in the office or at home, but also in a café, co-working space, or while on the go. The focus is on flexibility: you decide from where you work most efficiently.
In contrast, home office is tied to the private residence, while telecommuting meets fixed conditions, such as a permanently set-up workspace at home that the employer provides with appropriate equipment.
Mobile working in the public sector thus stands for modern, flexible work forms that enhance self-determination and break down rigid structures. However, this freedom requires clear agreements between the department and employees concerning availability, data protection, and technical equipment to ensure smooth processes.
Opportunities of Mobile Working in the Public Sector
Mobile working in the public sector offers numerous opportunities, both for employees and the administration itself. The new flexibility creates freedom, increases satisfaction, and promotes modern workplace cultures.
The key benefits include:
More Flexibility: When work hours and locations can be self-determined, the day can be organized in a more individual way.
Better Work-Life Balance: Many employees report significantly improved compatibility between work and personal life.
Higher Satisfaction: Hybrid working, combining office and home office days, leads to more motivation and a positive work environment.
Employer Attractiveness: Flexible work models enhance employee retention and make the public sector more competitive.
These positive effects are also reflected in the DGB Good Work Index: Those who can work flexibly and autonomously feel better, are more motivated, and thus contribute to a more efficient public administration.
Challenges of Mobile Work in the Public Sector
Despite its many advantages, mobile working in the public sector also presents several challenges. For flexible work models to function in the long term, both administration and employees must work equally on solutions.
The biggest challenges include:
Insufficient digital equipment: Many authorities still do not have a modern IT infrastructure. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown how much a lack of hardware, software, and network security can impair efficiency.
Difficult communication: The lack of personal exchange often makes it difficult to coordinate with colleagues or other departments. Misunderstandings and longer communication channels are frequent consequences.
Separation of work and personal life: Without clear boundaries between work and leisure, transitions blur. This can lead to distractions, overload, and an imbalance in work-life balance.
Social isolation: Less personal contact with colleagues can weaken the sense of community and increase mental strain.
Unclear expectations: Differing views on availability, working hours, or responsibilities quickly lead to conflicts.
These points make it clear: Mobile working in the public sector requires clear rules, technical support, and an open communication culture to be successful in the long term.
Legal Framework & Guidelines
Mobile work in the public sector is subject to clear legal regulations. The goal is to ensure the protection of employees as well as compliance with labor law, safety, and data protection requirements.
Legal Foundations
The most important legal foundations include:
Occupational Safety Act (ArbSchG) - regulates safety and health protection at work.
Working Hours Act (ArbZG) - sets maximum working hours, breaks, and rest periods.
Data Protection Regulations (GDPR & BDSG) - ensure the protection of personal data even in a mobile environment.
In the public sector, there is no general legal entitlement to home office or mobile work. Corresponding regulations are usually made through collective agreements, service agreements, or internal guidelines. These primarily define working hours, accessibility, and responsibilities.
The staff council has co-determination rights to protect the interests of employees. Special regulations may also apply to employees with family responsibilities.
Occupational Safety and Working Hours Regulations
Even with mobile work, employers must ensure health protection. This particularly includes a risk assessment of the home workplace. The Workplace Ordinance specifies that screen workstations must be ergonomically designed, such as:
a glare-free screen at eye level,
a height-adjustable desk,
an ergonomic office chair with a stable backrest.
To prevent overload, the Working Hours Act also applies to home office: working hours must be recorded and documented to ensure rest periods and maximum working hours.
Data Protection Requirements
Data protection plays a central role in mobile work in the public sector. Employers are obliged to ensure the security of sensitive data, even outside the office. This includes:
Encrypted connections (VPNs) when using public Wi-Fi,
secure communication channels for official emails and data,
clear guidelines for the use of private devices.
Employees are also required to regularly participate in data protection training to ensure the secure handling of sensitive information. Only in this way can data protection breaches be avoided and public trust in the administration strengthened.
Organizational Framework Conditions for Mobile Work in the Public Sector
To ensure successful mobile working in the public sector, clear organizational structures and a functioning technical infrastructure are essential. The goal is to combine employee flexibility with the demands of efficient administration.
Modern Workplace Concepts
In the public sector, the office remains a central place for collaboration, but its usage is changing. Models like Desk Sharing or flexible workplace utilization can help optimize the use of existing resources:
Desk Sharing: Employees share workspaces as not everyone is in the office simultaneously. This creates flexibility and reduces unused office space.
Deskbooking Tools: aid in planning and reserving workspaces, enhancing occupancy and transparency.
Hybrid Usage Concepts: combine fixed on-site days with mobile workdays, promoting team cohesion and exchange.
Guidelines and Agreements
To regulate mobile working uniformly, clear service agreements are crucial. They define frameworks, responsibilities, and technical standards.
In the public sector, there is no general entitlement to home office or mobile working.
Regulations are established through service agreements or collective agreements.
The staff council must be involved to safeguard employee interests.
Agreements should also cover topics such as availability, working hours, and data protection.
These structures create legal certainty and ensure that mobile working is implemented fairly and transparently.
Training and Technical Support
For mobile working to function in everyday life, not only equipment but also knowledge and support are needed. Employers are obliged to provide the necessary work tools and training.
Important prerequisites are:
Provision of laptops, secure internet access, and communication software,
Training in digital tools and data security,
Technical support that is also accessible in the long term to quickly resolve problems.
This ensures that mobile working is not only possible but also efficient, secure, and sustainable.
Checklist for Remote Work in the Public Sector
To ensure that mobile working in public services is compliant with data protection standards and operates securely, employees and departments should pay attention to several key points. A structured checklist assists in identifying and avoiding risks early on.
1. Check Processing of Personal Data
First, it should be assessed whether processing personal data at home is really necessary. If possible, work should be done with anonymized or pseudonymized data to minimize data protection risks.
2. Involve Data Protection Officers
Before setting up home office or teleworking stations, the organization's data protection officer should be consulted. This person can:
identify potential risks,
recommend technical and organizational protective measures,
and support the implementation of data protection compliant processes.
3. Employee Awareness and Training
Employees should be informed about the increased risks at home office and trained regularly. Topics like strong passwords, data protection policies, or handling confidential information are essential.
4. Clear Regulations for Data Handling
Binding rules create security for all involved. This includes clear instructions for:
Transporting data media (e.g. encrypted USB sticks or laptops),
Using public Wi-Fi hotspots (only via VPN connections),
Utilizing cloud services (only approved and compliant providers).
These measures help to minimize security risks and ensure the protection of sensitive data even outside the authority's premises.
Key Questions & Answers at a Glance
What is the difference between mobile work and home office in the public sector?
The difference between mobile work and home office in the public sector is that mobile work can be done in various locations, while home office specifically involves working from home.
What are the benefits of mobile work in the public sector?
Mobile work in the public sector offers increased flexibility, better work-life balance, and improved employee satisfaction and productivity. These factors contribute to an overall positive work environment.
What challenges are associated with mobile work in the public sector?
The challenges of mobile work in the public sector mainly include inadequate digital equipment, communication issues, and difficulty in separating work and personal life, which can lead to mental strain.
What legal frameworks apply to mobile work in the public sector?
The legal frameworks for mobile work in the public sector include the Occupational Safety Act, Working Hours Act, and data protection regulations. These rules ensure the protection of employees and compliance with working hours and data protection standards.
Support from anny: Desk Sharing in public administrations
Mobile working poses new organizational and technical challenges for administrations, from planning hybrid workplaces to the transparent use of shared resources. This is exactly where anny comes in.
With the flexible desk sharing platform from anny, public institutions can make their work environment more efficient, modern, and digital:
Making desk sharing easy: Employees can easily book workspaces, meeting rooms, or parking spaces via the platform.
Transparent space utilization: Real-time data shows which areas or workspaces and rooms are being used. This allows for better capacity planning and reduces unused office space.
Promote hybrid work: anny enables optimal coordination between in-office and home office days and supports teams in organizing themselves flexibly.
With anny, mobile working in the public service becomes safe and user-friendly. This way, both employees and departments benefit from more flexibility, efficiency, and satisfaction in their daily work.
Conclusion: Mobile Work as an Opportunity for Modern Administration
Mobile working in the public sector is far more than just a passing trend; it’s a crucial step toward a modern, flexible, and attractive administration. Employees benefit from greater freedom in arranging their work time and place, leading to a better work-life balance and higher satisfaction.
At the same time, clear challenges emerge: lack of digital infrastructure, communication barriers, and the necessity to consistently follow data protection and occupational safety regulations. For mobile work to function sustainably, clear legal and organizational frameworks, regular training, and a culture of trust are essential.
Digital solutions like anny can assist administrations in efficiently implementing hybrid work models, from workspace booking to transparent space utilization. This creates a work environment that is both flexible and responsible and makes the public sector future-ready.
Are you ready to make your administration future-proof? Then book a free demo here.
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