Workation – Make It Possible!
Working on the beach or in a chalet next to the ski resort? Many people dream of this, but so far it has only been possible for few. Find out in this article how you as an SME can fulfill the legal requirements for a”workation” and thus the wishes of your employees.
Employees, especially the younger generations, are increasingly focusing on working independently of time and place. Since the COVID-19 pandemic at the latest, new ways of working have become part of everyday life at many companies. However, working from abroad is rarely offered. But why? And why would so-called workations be so attractive for companies in the first place?
A “workation” is similar to working from home. A decisive difference lies in the fact that employees do not work from home, but from a location of their choice. It is often called “remote working”. This working model is becoming increasingly popular in Switzerland.
Advantage in the Event of a Shortage of Skilled Labour
A “workation” can bring many advantages for employers. Especially in times of skills shortages, remote work can give companies a valuable competitive advantage when it comes to recruiting new employees. Offering remote work can also increase the motivation of existing employees. In addition, a “workation” can help to reduce perceived stress and at the same time support a healthy work-life balance. Employees are given the opportunity to get to know new cultures and broaden their own horizons. Commitment to the employer is steadily increasing. Although these advantages of remote work are recognised by many companies, it is precisely the legal hurdles that usually stand in the way of the offer.
Legal Conditions for a Workation
Employers are obliged to take appropriate measures to protect the health and well-being of their own employees – even if they are working from abroad. Many insurance policies taken out in Switzerland do not cover costs for people who have already been working abroad for a certain period of time. This lack of protection for employees in workplaces can lead to liability claims and high financial burdens for companies, in addition to damage to their image. It is therefore essential to provide remote work insurance for employees, which covers costs in addition to health insurance and accident insurance in Switzerland. Companies are legally obliged to do this as part of their duty of care.
One insurance company that covers work and business trips and provides important travel information for the countries travelled to is, for example, Europäische Reiseversicherung ERV (European Travel Insurance).
Insurance for Business Trips
The duty of care is also necessary when travelling on business. Insurance companies such as ERV offer customised solutions for business trips. In addition to the duty of care, health and accident insurance, these can also cover costs for flight cancellations, damage to rented vehicles and much more.
Compliance with the duty of care is extremely important when travelling for business reasons. Insurance companies such as ERV offer customized solutions. Companies can insure themselves against risks such as cancellation, SOS cover, medical expenses (illness/accident), and baggage loss, and thus make a significant contribution to compliance with the duty of care.
About ERV
Europäische Reiseversicherung ERV is the leading provider of insurance solutions in the areas of travel, leisure and mobility for private and corporate customers. ERV has been operating as an independent branch of the Helvetia Group.
For more information on insurance types for your business, read our blog.
