As a mom, you need the right work environment.

Bettina Balliani is the educational director at a globegarden childcare. The daily contact with parents and children is what makes her work so special. Being there for others and supporting them gives her energy. As the mother of a daughter, she knows all too well how important this support is for working moms.

This Saturday, the childcare is exceptionally open. All children and their families, as well as curious neighbors and expectant parents looking for a childcare spot, are invited to experience what makes globegarden stand out, live and in color. Bettina is in demand: she opens the door, balances a tray of mini pizzas for the kids through the busy entrance area, greets parents, answers questions, and in between, praises her team for the good organization of the day. You can feel that her job fulfills and motivates her. Among all the families, her husband is somewhere with their daughter. The two of them couldn’t miss today. Her daughter is especially looking forward to the clown who will soon impress the children with a few magic tricks.

“Of course, it’s a challenge”

Having her daughter here today is just an exception. Usually, she is still cared for at home. Bettina knows firsthand the challenges faced by many mothers in Switzerland: “No one can claim that it’s easy to balance children and a career,” she states calmly but assertively. “Of course, it isn’t. But it can still work.” For her, it’s crucial that employers create an environment where both are possible for mothers. “Globegarden shows that it can be done. The founders themselves lead by example. And the culture here is characterized by a great understanding of all employees and ways of life.”

Relief and flexibility

Bettina herself has recently undergone a professional change within the company – for family reasons. She greatly appreciates that this was possible. She now works in a childcare that is much closer to her home. More than two hours of commuting to work are now eliminated for her. And that brings her more time for her little daughter. “You just want to spend time with your children while they are still small. It’s true that children grow up so quickly. However, at the same time, I do not want to give up my job, which gives me a lot of energy and which I really like. The fact that it was possible to find a solution that works for everyone from the employer’s side is not something to be taken for granted,” Bettina shares.

Giving a good feeling

Bettina experiences daily how important good and diverse care offerings are for parents. “Many have fulfilling jobs that also demand a lot from them during the week. It’s a real relief for them when they know they can leave their child in good hands.” She and her team create colorful and varied days for the cared-for children: “We have such a great program, into which the entire team always puts a lot of love and effort. Whether yoga, singing or exciting excursions – there’s always something going on.” The parents appreciate this. Her team has often heard from parents how much it relieves them that their child can have an exciting day and be well cared for. “This gives them the peace of mind to focus on their jobs during the day or to develop themselves further. And the energy to consciously take time for their child after childcare,” she reports. As a mom, Bettina knows: “That’s just very valuable.”

“You just want to spend time with your children while they are still small. It’s true that children grow up so quickly. However, I don’t want to give up my job, which gives me a lot of energy and which I really like.”