We help you balance your personal and professional life

awo lifebalance GmbH is one of the leading providers of Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) in Germany and was founded as a spin-off from Arbeiterwohlfahrt (AWO).

We provide professional support in all situations. As a public-interest organization and social entrepreneur, we combine business and social welfare with in-depth expertise and a nationwide network of experienced professionals. Our practical solutions ease the burden on employees and strengthen businesses. We are rethinking EAP in a holistic way.

Our work creates conditions that make it easier to balance work and personal life—leading to greater satisfaction, better health, and increased motivation. Today, we support over one million employees.

Schedule a consultation

An Overview of Our Development

2006: Launch as ElternService AWO

It was born out of the idea of providing parents with much-needed relief by offering supplemental child care, especially during off-peak hours. First client: the German Federal Pension Insurance Fund.

Starting in 2010: The Launch of the EAP

As companies show growing interest in Employee Assistance Programs, ElternService AWO brings to the table the AWO’s strengths: a nationwide network and deep social expertise.

Starting in the mid-2010s: awo lifebalance is launched

The focus on parenting evolves into a focus on life balance: caregiving, household management, and life situation coaching are added to the mix. The new name reflects the goal of bringing happiness, stability, and renewed energy to employees—and helping companies become attractive employers.

2025: Growth

Over 1 million employees supported and over 400 partner companies throughout Germany

Vision for the Future

We continue to shape work-life balance and social sustainability—with passion, expertise, and innovation.

“Mental health is an essential part of our well-being—especially in our day-to-day work lives. The EAP services offered by awo lifebalance provide our colleagues with quick, straightforward, and confidential support. Regional collaboration with dedicated points of contact builds trust and makes these easily accessible services particularly valuable.”

Laura Lipponen

Well-being Manager – Global Well-being, DEI & Succession
NTT DATA Business Solutions AG

Looking out over Bielefeld: our headquarters in the Eastend Tower

awo lifebalance by the Numbers

Our key figures show how many people already place their trust in us—with positive effects for businesses, employees, and society.

1 million

employees supported across all industries

100+

Professionals with expertise in consulting, mediation, and coaching

400+

Partner Companies in Germany

Our Mission Statement

We help people restore balance to their lives.

Our vision: A world where support is a given and people can freely realize their potential.

Our Mission: To support organizations through transformation—from Human Resources to People & Culture. We promote openness, accessibility, diversity, and equality.

In doing so, we hold ourselves to the following standards:

Immediately

We are available 24/7. We handle every issue directly.

Sustainable

We help people help themselves. Through information and guidance, we empower people to forge their own paths.

Respectfully

We take your needs and wishes into account. We treat every request with equal consideration and on a case-by-case basis.

Flexible

We think outside the box. We tailor the solution to the people.

competent

We know how to handle any situation. We draw on an extensive network of internal and external experts.

Our Quality Criteria

awo lifebalance is a reliable partner for employers and employees. The goal is to provide solution-oriented guidance with tailored support and clear transparency regarding goals, measures, and processes.

Availability & Response Time

The toll-free hotline is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
In addition, on weekends, on holidays (all day), and on weekdays between 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
A response from the relevant subject matter experts within 24 hours, Monday through Friday

Confidentiality & Data Protection

The confidentiality of all counseling content is fully guaranteed.
Personal data is protected in accordance with the GDPR and the BDSG
Data is stored in a secure, ISO 27001-certified database (at the OEDIV Oetker Daten- und Informations-verarbeitung KG data center)
Technical and organizational measures prevent misuse and data loss

Quality Management

Employees work according to uniform, regularly reviewed quality standards
DIN ISO 9001-certified with a standardized satisfaction survey
Participation in DIN committees on household-related services.
Affiliated with the AWO Federal Association’s working groups on child care, nursing care, and senior citizens

Network and Partners: Working Together for a Better Workplace

As part of the AWO family, we are firmly anchored in the nationwide network of Arbeiterwohlfahrt and work closely with strong partners—such as the Diversity Charter, Erfolgsfaktor Familie, and the Dementia Partner Initiative. In this way, we are actively committed to social responsibility and sustainable working conditions.

Founded in 1919, the AWO is one of Germany’s oldest welfare organizations. Today, it brings together 32 state and regional associations—and we at awo lifebalance are part of this strong network.

Charta der Vielfalt e. V. is Germany’s largest employer-led initiative for promoting diversity in the workplace.

People Who Make a Difference

Behind awo lifebalance are dedicated professionals from the fields of education, nursing, and coaching. In addition to their expertise, they bring passion to the collaboration—so your employees can always count on their support.