What if we saw part-time work not just as an option but as an opportunity? A conversation with Maureen Burgstahler

Part-time work is often seen as a compromise – a solution for those who want to balance their professional and personal lives. But what if we saw part-time work not just as an option but as an opportunity? In today’s working world, flexibility is becoming increasingly important. Many of us face the challenge of balancing work and family. One exciting way to do this is through part-time work. Maureen Burgstahler, a mother, made a conscious decision to take this path. In the interview, she talks about the freedom that flexible working hours give her and the valuable insights she has gained along the way.

Why did you decide to work part-time?

Maureen: I consciously chose part-time work because I have children and it’s important to me to find a balance between my job and my family. Part-time work allows me to remain active in my profession without completely pushing my children into the background. This way, I can do justice to both areas.

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What advantages does part-time work have for you?

Maureen: Part-time work has several advantages for me: I have more time to take care of my children and to be present in their daily lives. Flexible working hours give me more room to respond to unexpected situations in family life. Through part-time work, I can continue to use my professional skills and develop my expertise without leaving the working world entirely. This keeps me professionally up to date and makes it easier to switch back to a full-time position later on, when the children are older.

How do you organize your work?

Maureen: I organize my work in close coordination with my colleagues. Open communication and regular agreements are essential to ensure that everyone is on the same page. I make sure to coordinate my tasks well and communicate clearly so that collaboration runs smoothly. This close cooperation makes it possible to work together effectively and efficiently despite shared responsibilities.

How do you create work-life balance for yourself?

Maureen: To create a healthy work-life balance, I set clear priorities and make a conscious effort to separate work and private life. A structured daily schedule helps me, giving both my professional tasks and family time a fixed place. I also consciously take breaks for myself to recharge and stay balanced in everyday life.

What kind of support do you receive from EnBW?

Maureen: EnBW offers me various kinds of support that enable me to better reconcile my job and family life:

Flexible working time models: I benefit from flexible working hours that allow me to adapt my workday to my family’s needs.
Increasing and reducing working hours: This gives me the freedom to increase or reduce my working hours depending on the situation, always in consultation with management.
Children’s office: If necessary, I can use the children’s office, which provides me with additional relief in situations where childcare is not available at short notice. This way, I can bring my children to work and still meet my professional responsibilities.
Bestwork: The Bestwork program supports me in making my work even more efficient, including from home. Bestwork describes the option of working from home or at the office. The ability to choose my workplace more independently and autonomously helps align my personal circumstances and interests with professional demands. This not only increases motivation but also strengthens identification with the employer and the work itself, improving the quality of work and results.

This support helps me to successfully manage my tasks at work while maintaining a good balance between work and family.