SAP Concur study: Working from home abroad

The world of work has changed fundamentally in recent years. What once began as a niche model is now a reality: Work from Anywhere (WFA) – location-independent working – has not only become established, but has also been professionalized. More and more companies no longer see flexibility as an exception, but as an integral part of their work culture. In 2025, WFA will be increasingly thought of strategically – as an advantage for productivity, employee retention, and competitiveness. This trend was already clearly emerging in 2023. A study conducted by SAP Concur at the time showed that 79 percent of German employees would increase their satisfaction if they had the option of working from anywhere.

WFA: From trend to standard

83 percent expressed positive views about their employers' policies in this regard. At the same time, the study also revealed a downside: 14 percent of respondents had already worked secretly from abroad in the previous year, often for more than a week, without official permission or clear legal protection.

This „gray area“ showed how strongly the desire for flexibility clashed with the reality of organizational and legal constraints. Many employees avoided social media or used virtual backgrounds in video calls to conceal their location. Although a quarter knew that unauthorized work abroad could have tax or social security consequences, most underestimated the risk. For companies, it became clear that working from anywhere requires clear structures—not just technology.

Two years later, the trend has become firmly established. Modern communication platforms, secure cloud infrastructures, and AI-supported collaboration tools make location-independent working more efficient and reliable. Many organizations have revised their policies and now offer defined models—from „work from home plus days abroad“ to permanent remote contracts.

The benefits are undeniable. Employees report higher satisfaction, greater autonomy, and a better work-life balance. Companies benefit from lower turnover, access to a global talent pool, and reduced office costs. At the same time, responsibility increases: legal, tax, and social security issues must be clarified at an early stage before freedom becomes a trap.

HR and IT challenges

The integration of work from anywhere affects several areas of the company. HR departments must formulate guidelines that provide legal certainty while allowing room for individual flexibility. Finance departments review tax implications and payroll, while IT departments ensure security and data integrity.

Managers are increasingly required to lead distributed teams efficiently. Virtual collaboration cannot replace personal trust, which is why regular face-to-face meetings and structured communication are becoming increasingly important. Tools such as SAP SuccessFactors, SAP Concur, and SAP Fieldglass help companies map global working models transparently and in compliance with regulations—from time tracking to travel expense reporting.

Work from anywhere is no longer a short-term pandemic effect, but part of a global work culture. Generation Z takes location-independent work for granted, while companies have recognized that productivity and presence are no longer synonymous. The biggest winners are those organizations that balance flexibility, compliance, and technology. The key lies in clear processes: defined responsibilities, consistent communication, secure IT systems, and proactive A1 management. Only then can work from anywhere become a sustainable competitive advantage rather than a legal risk.

Conclusion: Freedom requires structure

Work from anywhere is here to stay—but not to grow haphazardly. The new working models open up opportunities for employees and companies alike, but they require care, transparency, and an awareness of the legal framework. The A1 certificate symbolizes the interplay between freedom and responsibility. Those who see location-independent working as an integral part of their corporate strategy not only create satisfaction and efficiency, but also lay the foundation for a working world that combines genuine flexibility with reliability.

Source: SAP Concur