In the face of increasingly flexible work structures and growing demands on individual motivation to learn and perform, what can be done to create a healthy balance between the times spent on living, on learning and on working? The articles address this question from the points of view of employees and enterprises on the basis of current research findings. In addition, concepts and concrete measures from company practice facilitating improved compatibility of work and private life are presented. In his editorial, BIBB Research Director Professor Dr. Reinhold Weiß points out that the topic of worklife balance has already become an integral part of personnel policy in many enterprises. However, he also recognises the need to make allowance for time spent on learning and refers to the flexible use of learning-time accounts. Other articles in this issue deal with the equivalence of general and vocational education in the context of implementing the GQF, with the new upgrading training system in the construction occupations and with legal questions regarding part-time vocational education and training. A BWP interview with Professor Dr. Dieter Münk on the occasion of the 17th University Open Days on Vocational Education and Training in Essen provides insights into the programme of the event.