Mercedes-Benz Mobility AG
Siemensstr. 7
70469 Stuttgart
Deutschland
Tel.: +49 711 17 0
E-Mail: mobility@mercedes-benz.com
Please send queries about content on this website to any contact. You can address your concerns to us in English and your respective national language.
Represented by the Board of Management: Franz Reiner (Chairman), Jörg Lamparter, Susann Mayhead, Tolga Oktay, Peter Zieringer
Chairman of the Supervisory Board: Harald Wilhelm
Commercial Register Stuttgart, No. HRB 737788
VAT registration number: DE 81 11 20 930
Luise and Kristina share a job tandem position in IT, with a total of 150%. Luise works 80% of the time, and Kristina works 70%. Within their team, they have clearly defined their responsibilities based on the projects at hand. Their collaboration ensures that each area receives the necessary attention and expertise.
Their journey as a tandem began in 2018 when a mutual acquaintance introduced Kristina to Luise.
Initially, Luise and Kristina did not know each other, so they approached their collaboration as though it were a first meeting. Through several discussions, they learned how the other works, the values they stand for, and built a foundation of trust. Honesty, loyalty, and mutual support were key elements from the start, contributing to their later success. To this day, neither of them has ever regretted their decision.
For both, the initial motivation to work part-time was the desire to balance their roles as mothers with their careers. However, when Kristina returned from parental leave, she wanted to expand her professional role and take on management responsibility. She realized that jobsharing was the only way to achieve this.
For Luise, the family reasons are no longer the main motivation. She now especially appreciates the extra time for herself and describes jobsharing as a model that offers her a unique work situation: a constant sparring partner by her side. Even though she no longer has a personal need for part-time work, she currently cannot imagine returning to full-time – as that would mean losing this valuable advantage.
Both emphasize that the key to their success – just like in any good relationship, whether personal or professional – is their shared value system. "There’s no secret formula. It just worked perfectly for us," says Kristina.
Another important factor is that the role they apply for as a tandem must truly suit both individuals. If it doesn't fit one person, an imbalance can quickly arise.
For Kristina, it was especially important to be able to make decisions even when her jobsharing partner was absent. Their mutual promise was always to support each other's decisions. Luise adds that it’s just as crucial not to look for a copy of oneself. "I was looking for someone who complements me with their strengths and weaknesses," she explains. Both greatly value each other’s individual qualities, which has prevented any feelings of jealousy or competition from arising.
In the beginning, the situation was new and unfamiliar not only for them but also for the team. Naturally, there were some uncertainties. However, once the responsibilities were clearly divided, things began to run very smoothly. The team now benefits from having two leaders with different perspectives, which enhances employee development and provides a comprehensive 360-degree view during evaluations and mentoring. Luise and Kristina also had to figure out the best way to work together, but they emphasize that the slightly bumpy start was the only real challenge they encountered with the jobsharing model.
Luise and Kristina’s experiences show that, in addition to the benefit of having more time for family and personal life, jobsharing also offers the advantage of always having a sparring partner at hand. Unlike other leaders, they can exchange ideas in difficult situations and reflect together. Both highlight this as a special advantage they’ve discovered through their jobsharing arrangement.
