Nicole Landwehr (43) is an assistant at the REWE store in Seevetal Fleestedt. She works part-time in her management position and therefore feels she has a good work-life balance.

one: Mrs Landwehr, what hurdles did you face when you wanted to go part-time as a store assistant?
Nicole Landwehr: There were actually no real hurdles. Before my parental leave, I had already worked full-time as an assistant, after which I came back part-time - albeit initially in a different position. However, as there was no other assistant at the time, I did a lot of the work on the side. After many discussions with my boss and my area manager, we finally agreed: I would become an assistant again, but part-time with 30 hours. That's how it's been to this day, for around four years now.

one: How did the team react to this?
Nicole Landwehr: We involved the team in the discussions. Getting everyone on board was the most important prerequisite for the model. That was the only way it could work. As a single mum with a son in third grade, I'm simply not that flexible. I need colleagues who agree to be here earlier in the morning and stay longer than me in the evening. But everyone is behind me and understands my situation. I'm very happy about that. Later, when my son is older, I definitely want to work full-time again.

one: How does it work in the store? What does it take?
Nicole Landwehr: We have a clear division of tasks and are now a well-coordinated team, which works well. It's important that all colleagues are all-rounders. Everyone has to be able to step in flexibly wherever necessary so that there are no gaps. And everyone knows that: If I'm not in the store, I can be reached by phone.

one: What advice would you give to senior managers in the store who want to go part-time?
Nicole Landwehr: Just broach the subject. There's no point in tearing yourself apart between work and family. You mustn't forget yourself, the work-life balance is important - also to be able to do a good job. And you have to pick up your team and take them with you. Then solutions can be found.

Michael Hommel (50) has been REWE store manager in Peine for four years. He managed the store in this position part-time for a year.

one: Mr Hommel, you managed the store part-time. Why, and what was the reaction?
Michael Hommel: My wife and I decided to do it together. Our sons were in fourth and sixth grade at the time. We wanted to offer them regular structures and they also needed support with their schoolwork. As my wife is often away on business trips and also has the higher salary, part-time work was the logical consequence for me.

When I asked my sales manager, he almost fell off his chair... But he suggested a discussion with our HR partner and I was quickly able to convince both of them that I could also successfully manage my market part-time.

one: Did you have any doubts as to whether you could do it?
Michael Hommel : As I had done a lot of preparatory work, I knew I could do it! I had gained a precise overview of how many hours I needed for which tasks, what I could delegate and what would remain with me. I also had to clarify which employees could and wanted to take on which responsibilities and at what times I would still be available.

one: How did you organise your day-to-day work and how did your team react?
Michael Hommel: The first few months were a bit bumpy. Everyone had to reorganise and it was unusual for my team that I was no longer in the store so much. But it soon became clear that I could be reached by phone at any time, and it was always possible to find an appointment on site for personal discussions. I had delegated everything that went beyond my 30 hours per week. I was able to concentrate on the office work and my team had my back. After four weeks, everyone had settled in.

one: What tips do you have for store managers who want to follow your example?
Michael Hommel: It's important to make a plan - you shouldn't expect others to create it for you: Rather, you have to think about how the reduction in hours can work and then offer solutions to senior managers and the team. It is also important to train the team so that employees feel confident and take on new tasks. And you have to have confidence and be able to hand over.