Our modern working world has changed. Terms such as remote work and hybrid work models are on everyone's lips. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that the workplace is not limited to the office. We can just as easily work from our home office, in our favorite café, or even on the beach in another time zone. The possibilities are diverse, and this opens up new horizons, not least for people like me: a mother of two daughters who is back in professional life after a longer period of parental leave.

Mothers often find themselves in a dilemma after returning to work: on the one hand, they want to happily and fully enjoy their role as parents and do a decent job of care work. On the other hand, their profession also has a high emotional significance. Balancing „managing everyday family life“ and “reaching new professional horizons“ is not that easy. And this applies not only to mothers, but also to fathers. Here, only one perspective is illuminated as an example, one of so many more. However, those who work “on remote“ can adapt their workplace and schedule to individual needs or life circumstances. I support the thesis that remote work makes a significant contribution to reconciling family and work.

Almost a year back in the working world, I can personally list the following advantages:

• I can organize my daily routine in such a way that I can meet both professional obligations and family tasks.
• I can seamlessly integrate breaks for childcare, participation in school activities, or doctor's appointments into my working day.
• My individually adapted working hours promote our work-life balance and keep my stress level low.
• Working flexibly in my familiar environment promotes my concentration and productivity. Strong self-discipline and avoiding distractions are essential.

Am I grateful that I can master the balancing act between my role as a mother and self-realization in this way? Yes. Does every one of these days work perfectly? No. For a simple reason: children are individual personalities with their own rhythms, wishes and moments of tummy ache. Every now and then they sit with me at my desk and like to wave into the camera during team meetings. You yourself don't function the same every day either. Successful remote work requires a well-coordinated mix of self-motivation and planning. Work that is left undone must be done eventually. And it will be done. Perhaps not within a „nine-to-five“ routine, but in the evening, for example, when the children are asleep. Flexible time management is invaluable.

Equally valuable is the trust of my team. We listen to each other, are there for each other and step in when the day has its own plans. Here, the motto „Teamwork makes the dream work” applies.

Working „en remote“ has the potential to significantly improve the compatibility of family and work. Clear working hours, flexible time management 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 contribute to protecting the core unit of our society, the family – in its various forms. This is a social interest and needs more attention – also in the various professional sectors.