Paderborn graduates focus on flexible workplace concepts
At Paderborn University's Chair of Human Resources Management, two outstanding theses have not only received academic recognition, but have also provided the impetus for a further research project. Graduates Johanna Horsthemke and Mona Täuber analysed the effect of flexible working models on employer attractiveness among applicants - using questionnaires and experiments on the one hand and interviews on the other. The Research Centre for Business Administration and Social Practice e.V. in Mannheim awarded them the Eduard Gaugler Prize for Personnel Management for their excellent work, which is presented in memory of the renowned economist. Together with their supervisor Dr Katharina Radermacher, the Paderborn students also brought their respective findings together for a new research project.
In their work, Horsthemke and Täuber have independently shown that hybrid working models are perceived as more attractive by applicants with little or no professional experience than completely flexible or rigid models in terms of place and time of work. Applications with professional experience showed almost the same attitude towards hybrid and fully flexible models. In addition, the award winners were able to show that flexible working models are primarily associated with an improved work-life balance as well as care and appreciation on the part of the employer. Inexperienced applicants are particularly interested in appreciation and care, while experienced applicants value a better work-life balance more.
"The results suggest that companies should consider target group-specific design and communication of flexible working practices," explains Radermacher, who is an academic counsellor at Paderborn University researching the impact of modern workplace concepts and supervised the two studies. Together with Horsthemke and Täuber, she combined the quantitative and qualitative results of the studies and conducted further surveys and in-depth analyses in order to gain further insights.
A scientific publication of the research results is already in preparation. Radermacher, Horsthemke and Täuber will also present them in September at the autumn workshop of the "Wissenschaftliche Kommission Personal". "This example shows in an exemplary way how students' work can also contribute to further research and scientific discussion," says Radermacher.
