What Counts as Working Time in Remote Work?

Remote work raises many questions about what exactly counts as working time. Distinguishing between professional tasks and personal activities can be tricky.
Legal Framework in Germany
The Working Hours Act applies equally to home offices. It defines working time as the period during which employees perform their duties. Breaks and private interruptions do not count.
Typical activities that count as working time
- Meetings and video calls
- Answering emails and editing documents
- Project work and client conversations
- Training sessions during working hours
What does not count as working time
Personal errands, childcare or extended breaks are not considered working time. Clear documentation is essential to avoid misunderstandings.
Practical tracking tips
Use reliable work time tracking software to automatically log start and end times as well as breaks. This keeps you on the safe side legally.
Regular team check-ins help set clear expectations.
How Jomawo supports remote teams
With free time tracking software from jomawo.com you can record hours easily via app or browser. Reports and exports simplify billing and tracking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does booting up the computer count as working time?
Yes, preparation time at the workstation is generally counted as working time.
Do breaks need to be recorded in remote work?
Yes, breaks should be documented so that actual working time is shown correctly.
Do overtime rules apply in home offices?
Yes, legal regulations on overtime and rest periods apply regardless of location.
How do I track hours when working from different locations?
Modern tools like jomawo allow flexible tracking independent of location.
Start tracking your working hours easily and for free at https://jomawo.com and stay on top of remote work.
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