Christian's personal assessment and experiences
In the VWGIS Hybrid Work series, colleagues report on their experiences of hybrid working and provide insights into their day-to-day work.
We asked Christian from the User Experience Competence Center (UXCC) what he thinks of the VWGIS hybrid work model and what his experiences have been.
Christian, could you tell us what benefits you as an employee derive from the VWGIS hybrid work model?
"For me, the mix of mobile working and face-to-face meetings on site is the ideal way to work. I live a long way from Hanover, so being on site every day wouldn't be feasible for me. And without the daily commute, I not only have more time for more meaningful things, but can also organize my family life more flexibly. I also really appreciate the fact that VWGIS places the necessary trust in me - I think that's a hugely important part of a positive corporate culture."
Are there any disadvantages to this model for you as an employee or challenges that you face?
"I get on quite well with this way of working and can immerse myself in solving a problem at home without too many distractions. However, I also spend a lot more time in front of the computer and therefore move around less. I do try to incorporate short exercise breaks into my working day from time to time, but unfortunately I'm not consistent enough. If the fitness watch and my conscience continue to persist, I will unfortunately have to become more active in the future."
What constitutes a good work-life balance for you? Has your work-life balance changed due to the possibility of hybrid working and if so, how?
"Especially in families with children, there is always an extensive private to-do list in addition to the professional demands. It's important to me to divide these tasks evenly and that's much easier if you can plan your day more flexibly.
It makes my everyday life much easier when I can get things done in between and have the opportunity to make up the time elsewhere. This has reduced time pressure and stress, which benefits not only me, but the whole family."
What are your tips for maintaining contact with colleagues while working remotely?
"Our joint online gaming night was a real highlight, for example, and the next date is already in the diary.
We also have a UXCC team meeting every morning, where we explicitly don't talk about project-related topics, but instead discuss all kinds of things - just like we do at the coffee machine on site.
I would never have imagined how well this format would work and how important this meeting has become for me. But despite the distance, I never feel isolated and always start the day in a good mood."
How do you envision the workplace of the future?
"As fast as the AI sector is currently developing, I can hardly imagine how much it will change the way we work in the next ten years.
And even if some companies are currently calling people back to the office, I'm sure that the proportion of hybrid working models will continue to increase in the future. The advantages simply outweigh the disadvantages for everyone involved. But the issues of health, ergonomics and well-being when working from home will probably become even more important in the long term."
Thank you, Christian, for your openness and feedback on the VWGIS hybrid work model!