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Family-friendly working environment
A SEAL FORFAMILY-FRIENDLY COMPANIES
“Family-friendliness”—a term used frequently, yet what exactly does it entail? Despite its widespread use, there is hardly any systematic definition of the concept. Ask people what they understand by it, and the answers vary widely. What is certain, however, is that the ability to balance professional and private life plays a crucial role for skilled professionals when choosing an employer. Mothers and fathers want to share the responsibility of caring for their children and managing daily family life together. Yet, aligning working hours with the opening times of daycare centers or other childcare facilities is just one aspect of family-friendliness.
Family responsibilities, however, are not limited to childcare. An increasing number of employees are already facing—or will soon face—the challenge of balancing their careers with the care of relatives. For companies, this means developing suitable support measures for their staff. The “Family Seal” evaluates these and many other criteria. What ideas, initiatives, and strategies do companies develop for employees with family responsibilities? This is the focus of the Family Seal.
OUR FAMILY SEALWhat criteria are involved?
First awarded in 2015, the family seal recognizes family-friendly businesses in the Ludwigslust-Parchim district. Whether a start-up, a medium-sized enterprise, or a large corporation, any company, association, or public authority has the opportunity to apply for the “Family-Friendly Company” seal. The deciding factors for certification go beyond just flexible working hours or remote work options. We also look for a corporate culture based on mutual respect and opportunities for professional development, enabling employees to grow and evolve within the company according to their current stage of life. Other key criteria include workplace health management and the employer’s commitment to the region.
The criteria (selection)
THESE COMPANIES WERE GRANTEDFamily Seal Awarded
THE FAMILY SEAL JURYExpertise across all areas
The audit is conducted at the companies by a jury comprising representatives from the Schwerin Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK), the West Mecklenburg-South District Craftsmen’s Association, the Employment Agency, the Job Center, the Business Association, the Ludwigslust-Parchim district, municipal equal opportunities officers, and specialists in family education and workplace health promotion, as well as the Southwest Mecklenburg Economic Development Agency. Up to four jury members are deployed for this purpose.
Impressionsfrom 10 years of the Family Seal
Lina Hauke
Project Manager – Skilled Workforce Retention & Business Services
Do you have any questions?We have the answers!
Family-friendly companies create conditions that help their employees balance their professional and private lives. Examples include flexible working time models, support for returning to work after parental or caregiving leave, services for employees caring for relatives, and a corporate culture based on mutual appreciation. Education and training, workplace health management, and personnel development tailored to specific life stages also play an important role.
Companies, associations, and public authorities based in the Ludwigslust-Parchim district can apply for the “Family Seal”—regardless of whether they are start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises, or large corporations. The certification process evaluates various aspects of family-friendliness, including working time models, corporate culture, professional development opportunities, health management, and support services for employees with family responsibilities.