“Fathers strive for equal parenting”

For more than 20 years, work-life balance has been an integral part of ERGO's human resources policy. Now, together with other companies, ERGO has sponsored a new study by the market research company Forsa entitled: “Future study on work-life balance – what empowers mothers and fathers ensures corporate success.” Bianca Boudein, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Manager at ERGO, and Mathias Grams, active in the fathers@ergo network, were present at the presentation of the study.

Around 20 years ago, the issue of work-life balance was mainly a topic for female employees who had become mothers. What has changed since then?

Bianca Boudein: The study confirms the social change that has taken place in this area, which we are also experiencing at ERGO. Mothers and fathers share family responsibilities, although mothers still do the lion's share of the work. But fathers are striving for equal parenting. In my experience, that was the exception 20 years ago.

Mathias Grams: Twenty years ago, for example, our fathers' network did not yet exist. We feel vindicated in our commitment by the study results and will continue this in the future.

Flexible working time models, part-time work and mobile working are valuable measures to support parents. What do the parents surveyed want from their employers today?

Mathias Grams: Three-quarters of those surveyed want a management culture that plays a decisive role in whether employees who are parents also take advantage of the family-friendly measures on offer.

Bianca Boudein: Work-life balance is achieved when managers actively exemplify it. This authentic example, clear guidelines, an open management culture and a wide range of measures such as flexible working time models will continue to make us an attractive employer in the future.

The Forsa study confirms that balancing work and family life is not only a private matter, but also a central social task that politicians and companies must tackle together. For companies, work-life balance is a factor for success.