Recognition for Businesses Embracing a Family-Friendly Approach in Bremen and Bremerhaven
In a significant move towards fostering a balanced work-life environment, 35 companies in Bremen and Bremerhaven have received the Quality Seal "Excellent Family-Friendly." The initiative, managed by the State Agency for Vocational Training and Transformation (LABEW+), aims to promote gender-neutral and innovative solutions such as job sharing or fixed-term part-time work.
The implementation of family-friendly work policies and practices by these companies is contributing to the retention or attraction of specialists. About a quarter of employed persons in Germany are parents with children under 18 years or caregivers, many of whom are willing to switch employers for a working arrangement that takes this into account.
One of the certified companies, Bremer Whyte Brown & O'Meara LLP (BWB&O), has implemented several family-friendly measures. These include flexibility to work from home, a supportive management culture, a casual, inclusive, and fun work environment, and additional benefits such as free lunches.
At Bremer Orthotics and Prosthetics, leadership emphasises an inclusive culture and team connection, as demonstrated by accommodating diverse needs such as encouraging colleagues to learn sign language for better communication with a deaf senior technician.
The impact of these measures is evident in increased employee satisfaction and performance. Reviews from employees at BWB&O highlight a good work environment and positive culture, with many noting that management support and flexibility enhance job satisfaction. Employees report a balanced work-life experience and a professional yet relaxed atmosphere, which is conducive to sustained performance. The inclusive practices, such as those at Bremer Orthotics and Prosthetics, improve team cohesion and collaboration, directly benefiting the quality of work and innovation.
Kirsten Frohnert, head of the company network "Success Factor Family," emphasises the relevance of reconciling work, family, and private life for the attractiveness of an employer and employee satisfaction. The Bremer Heimstiftung, a care provider for the elderly, currently offers flexible working hours and social counseling, and plans to increase support for childcare, better consider the needs of older employees, and set up an exchange group for caregivers.
Ce-Con GmbH, another Bremen company, offers flexible working hours and social counseling. Ce-Con GmbH allows men to take longer parental leave and return to work part-time or with flexible working hours to combine work and family life.
Since 2005, around 100 companies in the federal state of Bremen have been honoured for their commitment to reconciling family, work, and private life. Senator Dr. Schilling stated that the economic location of Bremen benefits from family-friendly personnel policy. The "Attractiveness Study" showed that employees expect their employers to identify and proactively offer individually suitable measures for different reconciliation needs.
In summary, Bremen and Bremerhaven companies are focusing on flexible work arrangements, supportive leadership, inclusive culture, and a positive, engaging environment. These family-friendly measures have led to higher employee satisfaction and fostered a workplace where specialists are motivated to perform well and remain with the company.
- These family-friendly measures, such as flexible work hours, supportive leadership, and inclusive culture, implemented by the certified companies like Bremer Whyte Brown & O'Meara LLP (BWB&O) and Bremer Orthotics and Prosthetics, are significantly contributing to lifestyle improvements by promoting a balanced work-life experience and enhancing relationships within the family-dynamics.
- The implementation of family-friendly work practices by the companies in Bremen and Bremerhaven, like providing benefits such as social counseling and childcare support, is not just beneficial for employees but also has a direct impact on home-and-garden life by creating a sense of stability and well-being, which can positively influence relationships and overall family-dynamics.
