We support the work-life balance

Healthcare professions offer a diverse and varied field of work. For an employee to feel comfortable, they also need the right environment. "Our central location in Gellert with its beautiful park offers a lot in itself," says Ueli Zehnder, Head of HR at Bethesda Spital Basel. He also emphasises the excellent culture of cooperation at the hospital. "We have an informal, interprofessional environment and maintain an open, friendly relationship at eye level between the various professional groups and specialist areas. You rarely find that in this form in a hospital environment."

A total of 705 employees work at Bethesda Hospital. Many of them work part-time - an important factor in finding a personal work-life balance. "How the work-life balance is organised is always a decision for the employees. We can offer the right conditions so that they can organise this in an attractive way." First and foremost, this includes flexible working models for all functions. "We are a part-time-friendly company. In many functions, you can also work part-time for up to 20% and receive fair financial compensation. As far as I know, we are the only employer in the hospital sector that has a zero coordination deduction from the pension fund." In concrete terms, this means that there is no gap in the pension scheme if you work part-time. This allows employees to choose their own workload, which is greatly appreciated. The fact that there is no difference between men and women in terms of pension provision or the range of part-time models on offer is also highly appreciated. This is particularly favourable to young mothers, as everything is done to help them return to work after maternity leave. This not only offers advantages for the company, but also for the woman, who does not have to accept any loss of pension provision as a result. "That's why we endeavour to make it as attractive as possible for young mothers to stay in the workforce. Of course, this also applies to young fathers. "Another highlight on the list of benefits is the sports programme, which Zehnder points out with pride. "We have the only 5-star-certified fitness centre in a hospital in the whole of Switzerland, which our employees can use free of charge." This also includes group courses such as yoga, Pilates and kettlebell. The beautiful guest restaurant also offers a variety of meals at reasonable prices, and the prices for the large car park are also very attractive. Non-car drivers receive subsidies for public transport thanks to the Job Ticket, and all employees receive a free Pick-e-Bike credit every month.

Head of HR Zehnder answers the question of whether all these measures are effective in the affirmative. "In the care sector, we are able to fill most of our vacant positions with our own trainees." Bethesda is strongly committed to nursing training and offers far more training places than required. This innovative personnel policy is in the spirit of the Diakonie, which has been at work in the organisation for 100 years and has already helped to find a way forward in many difficult times. "We are always trying to be courageous, to promote new methods, offers and services and to offer our employees space to try out new things