‘The part-time image must change’
Interview series People&Culture at Messe Karlsruhe - Fathers working part-time
Vereinbarkeit ist in der New Work Bubble ein großes Thema. In der Realität heißt Vereinbarkeit aber oft, dass ein Partner für die Care-Arbeit die Arbeitszeit reduziert – und das ist zumeist die Mutter. Einer, der als Vater seine Wochenarbeitszeit stark reduziert hat, ist unser Kollege aus der Personalabteilung, HR Manager Marc-Oliver Dopf. Seit vier Jahren gehören seine Nachmittage seinen beiden Kindern im Alter von 10 und 13 Jahren. Das NEW WORK EVOLUTION-Team hat den 48-jährigen zu seinen Gründen befragt, zu reduzieren, wie sich das Modell auf seinen Alltag auswirkt – und was sich tun müsste, dass mehr Väter bereit sind, einen solchen Schritt zu gehen, sei es aus Gründen der Work-Life Balance, für geteilte Care-Arbeit oder zugunsten der Karriere der Partnerin.
Marc-Oliver, you work part-time (70 per cent) in the HR department at Messe Karlsruhe. This is still rather unusual for men these days - how did it come about?
I started working in exhibitor services at the Messe Karlsruhe in 2008 and then progressed through the positions of assistant to the divisional manager and team leader to head of the exhibitor services department. After separating from my wife, I really wanted to look after my children 50 per cent of the time. A model where I only saw my children at the weekend would not have been an option for me. That's why I reduced my working hours, gave up my management position and moved to the HR department.
Why did you decide against part-time leadership position? Part-time leaders also work at Messe Karlsruhe.
Especially in the event industry, when an event is about to start or is already underway, I didn't want to have to say that I'm off work when the house is on fire or we want to clarify urgent issues with customers. The classic situation: I pick up my little daughter and a service partner/exhibitor/colleague calls me at the exact same time with an urgent problem. I wanted to be able to plan ahead and that the evening belongs to my children.
Of course, being constantly available is not a general requirement for a manager in our company, it was more my own understanding of my former position.
But it also makes a difference whether you are a single parent or not. In a relationship, you can discuss a lot of things with your partner and share childcare. As a single parent, you don't have this option or you need an appropriate network of friends and family.
Was it the right decision?
Definitely. Of course, at first it sounds like a career step backwards from head of department to an administrative employee. But it's a completely different life in administration and HR. Being independent of events means more regular working hours. And it was also exciting for me to take on a completely different role.
But you also have to be honest: part-time means lower earnings. In my case, it was - to put it bluntly - an investment in my children, which I was happy to make. A very conscious decision. So as a result, there are fewer Christmas gifts, but more time with dad.
When my children tell me that others only see their fathers late in the evening and I'm at home when they get home from school, it's a nice affirmation. Of course, you're physically present, too, when you're working from home, but not for the children. My children quickly realised that there wasn't just someone sitting in the home office listening to them with half an ear, but someone who was really available for them.
What are the downsides?
You might finish work at 12.30 pm, but that doesn't mean you sit at home and put your feet up on the couch. Then the fun really starts when the kids come home from school. In fact, it's like having a second job, just not in the office.
What about working part-time at Messe Karlsruhe in general?
As an HR manager, I see how many part-time models we offer - almost everything is possible, so that employees have the opportunity to really achieve a work-life balance. A lot is feasible, you just have to discuss it with the teams and HR. This flexibility is not common everywhere.
As a man working part-time, you are still in the minority. What would have to change in the overall conditions for more men to take this step?
I think first and foremost something has to change in people's minds - on the one hand, to say as a man: I'm taking this step now! Secondly, the image of part-time work needs to change. Sometimes I have the impression that part-time work is not always seen in a positive light in society. There is still a subliminal ‘Oh, he/she only works part-time’.
I know both sides from my own experience. And when you work part-time, you have a given time pressure, you work faster and more efficiently. Because you know: You definitely have to leave at a certain time, for example at 12.30 pm, to pick up the children, and I want to have my tasks done by then. Especially as a single parent, you can't just spontaneously work longer without prior planning because you haven't finished your daily tasks. There's no partner waiting at home to take over childcare at short notice. When it comes to part-time work, especially for men, we need to raise awareness and improve the image.
Thank you very much for the interview.
