Jobsharing is my life's work.
For more than 40 years, I have supported people and companies on their path to successful jobsharing.
I am Marie-Therese Herbers.
For more than 40 years, one single question has occupied me: how can people work together successfully while unfolding their talents to the fullest?
This question led me, already during my economics studies, to a subject that hardly anyone knew about at the time: jobsharing. I still remember the beginnings of my research vividly – no internet, no role models, just the conviction that this idea had a future. What began as a thesis became my professional passion. Research work at the European Parliament in Luxembourg followed, then founding EURO-TZA e.V., numerous publications, consulting projects and, eventually, my own consultancy.
Over all these years, I have learned one thing: jobsharing doesn’t work by chance. It takes the right people, clear structures and mutual trust. That is exactly what I support today – companies and organisations at every stage of experience, as well as applicants and tandems on their shared path.
What you can expect from me
First-hand experience with jobsharing and qualified part-time work
I don’t know jobsharing only from books or from consulting – I worked successfully in a tandem myself for many years. I know the opportunities this form of collaboration offers, the challenges that arise in everyday life, and what it takes to make both work: trust, open communication, clear agreements and a shared understanding of sharing responsibility.
As a qualified part-time employee and part-time manager myself, I’ve also experienced first-hand how important good framework conditions are. These experiences flow into every piece of consulting and every coaching session.
Broad practical experience from different perspectives
Economics graduate, systemic coach and LINC personality profiler. Over the course of my career, I have been an economic development officer, a research associate, a start-up and financial advisor, a job placement counsellor, a personnel consultant and a career coach.
Every stage has broadened my view. Today I look at questions from several perspectives at once, considering the interests of applicants, managers and companies alike.
Consulting and coaching at eye level
“I don't advise on a trend. I work on a subject I have helped shape since its beginnings.”
Many consultants know jobsharing from theory or from individual projects. I have researched it scientifically, worked in a tandem myself for many years, advised companies, and helped shape the development of this way of working over decades. That’s why I know the opportunities just as well as the challenges.
What matters most to me is seeing the whole person. Professional qualifications are only part of success – personality, values, motivation and the ability to collaborate with trust are just as decisive.
You can find out more about this journey – with historical photos, documents and milestones from 40 years of jobsharing history – in my blog.