Our modern working world has changed. Terms like remote work and hybrid work models are on everyone's lips. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that the workplace is not just limited to the office. We can just as easily work from our home office, at our favorite coffee shop, or even at the beach in another time zone. The possibilities are many and this opens up new horizons, not least for people like me: mom of two daughters who is back at work after a long period of parental leave.
Mothers often find themselves in a dilemma after their return to work: On the one hand, they want to enjoy their role as a parent happily and fulfilled and do proper care work. On the other hand, the job also has a high emotional significance. The balancing act between "managing everyday family life" and "reaching new horizons professionally" is not easy. And this applies not only to mothers, but also to fathers. This is an example of just one perspective, one of many more. However, those who work "on remote" can adapt their work location and schedule to individual needs or life circumstances. I support the thesis that remote work makes a significant contribution to the compatibility of family and career.
Almost a year back in the workforce, I can personally list the following benefits:
- I can arrange my daily schedule to accommodate both work obligations and family responsibilities.
- I can seamlessly integrate breaks for childcare, participation in school activities, or doctor's appointments into my workday.
- My individually adjusted working hours promote our work-life balance and keep my stress level low.
- Flexible working in the environment I'm familiar with boosts my concentration and productivity. Strong self-discipline and avoiding distractions are the key.
Am I grateful that this allows me to master the balancing act between my role as a mother and self-actualization? Yes. Do all these days work out perfectly? No. For one simple reason: children are individual personalities with their own rhythms, desires and bellyaching moments. They sit at my desk every now and then and like to wave at the camera in the team meeting. You don't function the same way every day either. Successful remote work requires a well-balanced mix of self-motivation and planning. After all, work that is left undone has to be done. And it will get done. Maybe not in a "nine-to-five" routine, but in the evening, for example, when the children are asleep. Flexible time allocation is invaluable.
The trust of my team is just as valuable. We listen to each other, are there for each other and step in when the day has its own plans. The motto "Teamwork makes the dream work" applies here.
Working "en remote" has the potential to significantly improve the compatibility of family and career. Clear working hours, flexible scheduling and mutual trust within the team are key components for successful implementation. Companies should become bolder and take a big step in this direction. They would be helping to protect the core unit of our society, the family - in its many different forms. This is an interest of society as a whole and needs more attention - also in the most diverse professional sectors.
