Work and Family

The reconciliation of work and family life is not always an easy task and often places high demands on employees. However, companies and institutions have various ways to relieve their employees by establishing a sustainable family-friendly personnel policy that benefits both sides.

In order to support companies and institutions in improving their personnel policies as to reconciliation of work and family life, the non-profit Hertie Foundation developed the Work and Family Audit in 1998, among other things as a management instrument. Within the framework of the audit, concrete objectives and measures for a family-friendly personnel policy are devised for the institution. This concludes with the awarding of a certificate, which has become a recognized seal of quality in recent years.

DIfE also was awarded the certificate Work and Family Audit on August 25, 2011. During the auditing process, numerous proposals by employees were collected and implemented in a target agreement including an extensive catalogue of measures. New measures that have already been implemented include the establishment of a family room to make it easier for employees to overcome a short-term lack of childcare. In addition, future Rehbrücker Kolloquium presentations usually will take place at 1 P.M. to enable part-time employees and researchers with family duties to participate as well. Further measures will be carried out according to the target agreement.

Further information on DIfE measures to facilitate the reconciliation of work and family life can be seen in the list of links on the right and in the intranet of the Institute. If you have any questions to the Work and Family Audit please contact the DIfE equal opportunities representative and personnel department staff.