With heart and soul

All that glitters is not gold, as the saying goes. Natascha knows this from experience – after all, she is a trained goldsmith and silversmith as well as a jeweller. However, she has found her true calling in home help. "I'm at home here and put my heart and soul into it!" enthuses the Viennese. Because Natascha loves her job: Every day brings new stories – but also new challenges.

Where stories are at home

Natascha has been working for the Vienna Social Services for 28 years. "I was one of the youngest home helpers. That wasn't always easy," the now 50-year-old looks back. For many clients, she is the only caregiver. "Many are already waiting for me at home – with wonderful stories," smiles the home helper.

Easy to care for? My ass!

The everyday work of home helpers is close to people and very varied. "We provide support with personal hygiene, household chores and shopping. And we always have an open ear," reports Natascha. She finds the small moments of togetherness particularly beautiful: a short conversation, a shared laugh, the feeling of giving a piece of quality of life. At the same time, work brings challenges – from physical stress to dealing with difficult life situations. But Natascha does not shy away from a challenge and dared to take the plunge again a few years ago: she became a member of the works council.

An anchor for many

1,800 employees from over 70 nations work for the Vienna Social Services. As deputy chairwoman of the workers' works council, Natascha is there for the concerns of her colleagues. Here, too, she hears stories – and here, too, she is passionate about her work. "It is important to me to find solutions together. This is not always easy, but we have always found a way so far," says the works council member happily.

Good word, good work

With her works council team, Natascha is committed to tangible improvements. For example, there is now also a dirt, hardship and hazard allowance for home helpers. This not only brings more money into the wallet every month, but is also a sign of justice. Appreciation is a matter close to her heart. That is why she is involved in the trade union and sits at the negotiating table for the collective agreement of the Austrian Social Economy. Natascha is not only concerned with fair wages and healthy working conditions: "I would like to see more recognition for our profession. And I am glad that we have vida as a strong comrade-in-arms at our side!"