An office for the family

The development and operating company of the city of Bocholt (EWIBO) has now set an example for a better compatibility of family and career: A family office has been opened at the headquarters of the municipal subsidiary in the Europa-Haus on Adenauerallee.

In the child-friendly room, children can pass the time with all kinds of toys or, depending on their age, do their schoolwork while parents go about their work at the desk in the family office or next door.

"Welcome!" reads the sign decorated with unicorns and butterflies outside the office. "With the family office, we want to show that, as a family-friendly company, children are very welcome here," explains EWIBO Managing Director Azra Zürn. According to Zürn, employees who have to bridge bottlenecks in childcare at short notice are relieved. EWIBO staff as well as their family members can use the office flexibly and book it digitally via an app. The family office is also used for consultations with EWIBO customers, which require an undisturbed atmosphere.

Mayor Thomas Kerkhoff, who is also Chairman of the Supervisory Board of EWIBO, welcomes the establishment of the family office: "In times when the compatibility of family and career is also a high priority in business life, the establishment of this family office is a good contribution to EWIBO's employer brand. I thank you for the idea and the quick implementation in the interest of the employees." At the inauguration, Kerkhoff brought along a set of building blocks - which were also immediately taken up by Alina (3 years old) and her sister Amina (4).

EWIBO works council chairwoman Yvonne Malter is pleased: "The family office is a great service from our employer that noticeably relieves our parents in stressful phases and especially benefits small children who need the closeness of mom or dad."