Working families
The Hertie Foundation has awarded its prestigious "work&family" certificate to 116 companies. Roland Berger Strategy Consultants is the first consultancy to be certified.
As part of an official ceremony in Berlin on September 5 that included Germany's ministers for family affairs and labour, Renate Schmidt and Wolfgang Clement, Roland Berger Strategy Consultants was awarded the prestigious "work&family" certificate. The certificate is the stepping stone to an audit procedure, in which the Hertie Foundation will review whether the companies selected to receive this initial accreditation manage to boost their child- and family-friendly policies.
Achieving a stable work-life balance has become increasingly important for companies facing changing realities with respect to the noticeable demographic shift in Germany, though few companies have actively addressed this looming problem. Highly educated women are choosing not to have children or put off starting a family because of the repercussions they feel this might have on their career. This trend, along with other key factors, has contributed to a demographic decline in many European countries. An ageing population has a linear effect on growth: as productivity declines, so does the potential for increased economic growth. Encouraging women to remain active in the labor force, by introducing family-oriented services and facilitating child-care, can boost growth and potentially have a positive effect on the overall fertility rate.
As part of an official ceremony in Berlin on September 5 that included Germany's ministers for family affairs and labour, Renate Schmidt and Wolfgang Clement, Roland Berger Strategy Consultants was awarded the prestigious "work&family" certificate. The certificate is the stepping stone to an audit procedure, in which the Hertie Foundation will review whether the companies selected to receive this initial accreditation manage to boost their child- and family-friendly policies.
Achieving a stable work-life balance has become increasingly important for companies facing changing realities with respect to the noticeable demographic shift in Germany, though few companies have actively addressed this looming problem. Highly educated women are choosing not to have children or put off starting a family because of the repercussions they feel this might have on their career. This trend, along with other key factors, has contributed to a demographic decline in many European countries. An ageing population has a linear effect on growth: as productivity declines, so does the potential for increased economic growth. Encouraging women to remain active in the labor force, by introducing family-oriented services and facilitating child-care, can boost growth and potentially have a positive effect on the overall fertility rate.
By creating the audit process, the German Hertie Foundation aims to promote and assist companies in the development of work-life balance strategies that allow these to recruit and retain highly-skilled female and male employees. Introducing family-friendly policies has clear economic benefits, the foundation's research has proven: lower recruiting costs, greater employee satisfaction and motivation and fewer sick and leave days.
At the awards ceremony, Secretary Schmidt underlined the crucial need for a paradigmatic shift among German business leaders. The importance of family-friendly policies both for the overall economy but for the economic well-being of an individual corporation had to be recognized and rapid action taken.
At the awards ceremony, Secretary Schmidt underlined the crucial need for a paradigmatic shift among German business leaders. The importance of family-friendly policies both for the overall economy but for the economic well-being of an individual corporation had to be recognized and rapid action taken.
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Speaking at the event, Burkhard Schwenker, CEO of Roland Berger Strategy Consultants supported Secretary Schmidt's assessment: "A commitment to family-friendly measures is an important corporate tool to achieve greater growth." In these challenging times, Schwenker said, it was essential to deliver on promises made, with respect to achieving a sound work-life balance in companies. The advantages of these policies within companies had to be communicated better and more widely. He called for a change of mindset with respect to female employees and means to reconcile work and family life.
All companies awarded the basic certificate will receive a thorough assessment of their current practices and potential areas for improvement are highlighted. After three years, all companies will be audited again to review their progress.
All companies awarded the basic certificate will receive a thorough assessment of their current practices and potential areas for improvement are highlighted. After three years, all companies will be audited again to review their progress.
To find out more about the "work & family" audit, click here. (German language)
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