The world of work has changed fundamentally, and with it the needs of our employees. At Unic, we have not only recognized this development, but have actively shaped it: since April 2024, we have been offering our employees the opportunity of Remote Work Abroad – the freedom to work temporarily from abroad.
More than just a trend
For us, remote work abroad is more than just a contemporary working model. It is part of our conviction that successful work can take place wherever our employees feel comfortable. Whether it's the desire to combine work with an extended stay with family abroad or to temporarily relocate the home office to the coast – we make it possible.
Trust, flexibility and responsibility go hand in hand. Remote Work Abroad is our commitment to this.
Nadine Schlegel, People & HR, Unic
The path to implementation
The implementation of Remote Work Abroad was a carefully considered process. We did extensive research to find solutions to clarify the labor law challenges and risks for both our employees and Unic as an employer. This evaluation was complex. Different conditions apply for each country and these vary depending on the personal situation of the employees. A particular focus was on finding a solution that can be used for our locations in Switzerland and Germany. This is because we want our colleagues from Poland to have this opportunity too.
Flexibility with a clear framework
What particularly pleases me is that our Remote Work Abroad program combines maximum flexibility with a clear structure. Employees can work from abroad for up to 20 working days a year, flexibly combining this with vacation days. With the option of up to five remote work trips per year and a total stay of up to 60 calendar days, we offer a generous framework for individual work preferences. The world is their oyster – the choice of destination is limited only by legal and political conditions.
Understanding and mastering complexity
Working from abroad is often underestimated. Various legal regulations in the areas of social security and taxation prescribe strict rules – both in the country of residence and in the temporary country of residence. To avoid unpleasant surprises, we have created a set of regulations that transparently lays out the most important framework conditions for everyone.
We have outsourced the legal review, which includes over 30 questions, to our specialized partner. There, a careful risk assessment is carried out by experts. This takes into account numerous factors such as the length of stay, the individual travel constellation, possible vacation combinations and the political situation in the destination country.
A holistic approach for modern work
In my role as People/HR, I see every day how important it is to balance work and private life. Remote Work Abroad is another building block in our comprehensive offering for flexible work arrangements. Our employees appreciate the opportunity to flexibly organize their working hours, work from their home office or adjust their workload to their needs. Particularly popular are the vacation purchase for additional vacation weeks and the option of unpaid leave of absence lasting several months.
Flexible working with security
A progressive working model like this needs a solid foundation. Together with our legal partner, a dedicated team and ongoing support from People/HR, we ensure that our employees can work remotely without worry and productively. Clear processes and technical infrastructure provide the necessary security.
Shared experiences
The positive feedback from our employees confirms that remote work abroad not only enriches their individual working lives, but also strengthens our corporate culture. Since its introduction, numerous colleagues have already taken advantage of this opportunity – from short stays to working abroad for several weeks.
Our promise
At Unic, we see ourselves as pioneers of modern forms of work. Flexible working from anywhere in the world is more than just a benefit – it is an expression of our belief that trust, flexibility and responsibility go hand in hand. We create the conditions for our employees to balance their professional and personal lives in the best possible way.
This flexibility is part of our DNA: we make the digital human – including in the way we work.