Family-friendly employer: district receives seal of approval once again

In June 2023, the district of Waldeck-Frankenberg was awarded the "Family-friendly employer" seal of approval. It states that the employees of the district administration can rely on a sustainable, family-conscious and life-phase-orientated personnel policy.

After a period of two years and a workshop with the responsible ministry in spring 2025, the recertification was now due to take place, during which it was checked whether the targets set two years ago had been met. To the great delight of District Administrator Jürgen van der Horst and First District Councillor Karl-Friedrich Frese, this is the case - the district is family-friendly and has received the corresponding certificate for another four years until 2029.

However, the measures that have been implemented as part of the targets over the last two years are truly impressive. First and foremost are the expansion of flexible working time models and two "care guides" who are available as internal contacts for employees with care responsibilities.

In addition, managers were sensitised to and trained in reconciliation issues and health management was expanded - prevention and health in the workplace have been given greater emphasis. Last but not least, training and information events help to continuously improve employees' knowledge of pensions and pension entitlements, work-life balance and caring for family members.

"Of course, we will not rest on our laurels, but will continue to expand and consolidate the existing offer for our employees until the next certification," emphasise the District Administrator and First District Councillor. In addition, the dedicated team at the Women and Equal Opportunities Department has developed further ideas that need to be implemented over the next few years. The focus is on managers, who are to receive further training on the topic of "modern leadership" and are to be given more support if they work part-time or share a management position - important instruments of a modern, family-friendly work organisation, as the District Administrator and First District Councillor emphasise in conclusion.

Caption: Together with the Hessian Minister of the Interior Prof. Dr Roman Poseck (right), Tanja Schreiber (left) and Miriam Drüppel (centre) from the Women and Equal Opportunities Service are delighted with the recertification of the Waldeck-Frankenberg district as a family-friendly employer. (Photo: ©HMdI/Photographer: Paul Müller)

Keywords:

Women and Equal Opportunities Service Reconciling family and career