Di hours are development hours that employees can use for personal and professional growth. These hours offer the opportunity to develop yourself by attending training, coaching or courses. They contribute to sustainable deployment on the job market. In this article, we answer the key questions about applying, using and leveraging di hours for your career.
What exactly are di hours and what are you entitled to?
Di hours (development hours) are hours that employees can spend on personal and professional development. Many collective agreements allocate employees between 8 and 40 hours annually for development purposes. The exact number of hours varies by sector and employment contract.
You are entitled to di hours if this is stipulated in your collective agreement, employment contract or company regulations. Permanent employees are usually more entitled to these hours than temporary workers. The hours are meant to keep your knowledge and skills up-to-date in a rapidly changing labour market.
The number of hours is often calculated based on your working week. In full-time employment, you get the full number of hours granted, while part-time employees receive a proportionate share. Some employers impose additional conditions, such as a minimum number of years of service or managerial approval.
Hours usually expire at the end of the calendar year, although some collective agreements allow you to carry unused hours over to the following year. It is important to inquire about the specific arrangements within your organisation in good time.
What can you all use di-hours for?
Di hours can be used for a wide range of development activities. Training and courses are the most common applications, ranging from vocational in-service training to soft skills training. Options also include coaching and career advice.
Concrete examples of permitted activities include:
- Specialist courses and certifications
- Language training for international cooperation
- Leadership development and management training
- Digital skills and IT training
- Personal-effectiveness coaching
- Career guidance and career planning
Some employers also accept conferences, workshops and self-study as part of your development plan. It is wise to agree in advance which activities will be approved. Many organisations maintain a list of approved training institutes or have partnerships with specific training providers.
With us, we focus on customised coaching that matches your personal development needs. We help you identify your natural talents and cognitive behavioural preferences so that you can make targeted choices for your professional growth.
How do you apply for di hours from your employer?
Applying for di hours starts with preparing a development plan. Describe what training or coaching you want to attend, why it is relevant to your job and how it contributes to your sustainable deployment. Make the link between development and your work clear.
Follow these steps for a successful application:
- Take stock of your development needs and goals
- Find appropriate training or coaching that matches your work
- Calculate the time required and any costs
- Schedule a meeting with your supervisor
- Submit a written application with full details
- Discuss planning and expectations
Prepare your interview well by giving concrete examples of how development can improve your performance and that of the team. Employers appreciate it when you show that you have thought about adding value to the organisation.
Take into account your team's schedule and busy periods. Suggest flexible dates and show willingness to align development with business operations. A proactive attitude significantly increases your chances of approval.
What are the benefits of di hours for your career?
Di hours are an investment in your future by helping you keep your knowledge and skills up to date. They increase your employability and make you more resistant to changes in the labour market. Regular development ensures more self-confidence and job satisfaction in your current position.
Key career benefits include:
- Greater chance of promotion and pay rise
- Better performance through new knowledge and skills
- Expanding your professional network
- More flexibility for job changes
- Greater resilience to automation
Development contributes to your personal effectiveness and helps you cope better with workload and change. You learn new ways of working that make your daily tasks more efficient. This often results in greater appreciation from colleagues and managers.
In the long run, di hours build your professional reputation and expertise. They help you stay ahead rather than running behind the times. At a time when skills are rapidly ageing, regular moments of development are essential for a successful career.
By making strategic use of your di hours, you invest in a future-proof career. They allow you to follow your passions within your professional development and ensure more commitment to your work. We will gladly support you in making the right choices for your personal development path.