Berlin, 15 January 2021 The corona crisis has taken a lot out of our country, the companies and their workforces in recent months.

Together, however, we have also achieved a great deal. Thanks to short-time work, hundreds of thousands of jobs were secured. The massive state aid for companies was right and important. However, it is also clear that the current infection figures and, in particular, the new variant of the coronavirus require us to make further efforts. That is why we must act together.

We social partners - employers and trade unions - see it as our duty to do so. The companies and their workforces have so far handled the difficult situation very responsibly. The implementation of pandemic plans, hygiene concepts and occupational health and safety rules have meant that the workplace is a comparatively safe place. Nevertheless, we now have to further restrict contacts and reduce mobility. Working in a home office contributes to this. We are aware that home office is not suitable for every profession or job. Production, manufacturing, nursing and the supply of essential goods, for example, require employees to be present at work. Operational processes also often speak against home office.

Where possible, companies already largely offer home office to their employees. However, more can be done - this is where we are all challenged now.

That is why I, as President of the Employers' Association, appeal to employers, HR managers and executives - wherever possible - to offer their employees home office in this situation. At the same time, we appeal to employees to accept these offers - wherever reasonable and possible - and to work from home.

I am confident that with a concerted effort and the vaccinations that have begun, we can overcome these challenges.

>> On the joint appeal of the social partners with Federal President Steinmeier