Family-friendliness helps companies master the crisis

2010

Current expertise shows that family-friendly HR policies are just as important in times of critical economic development as they were during the preceding growth phase. The study first gives an overview of current economic developments based on the latest data and forecasts, indicating the repercussions they have for the German labor market.

The "typical" company reactions that are already being seen in practice – in the form of various headcount reduction measures – are then analyzed in greater detail with a view to their long-term effects. Against the backdrop of the demographics-induced labor bottleneck that we can expect to see in the future, the study points out the necessity of finding intelligent strategies for the medium term that offer companies increased flexibility while retaining skilled staff.

The tools such a strategy may comprise are explained with a view to their practical application, and highlighting particularly the positive effects of the family-friendly elements. Companies can benefit from the favorable business effects of family-friendly HR policies while at the same time gaining valuable insights for crisis strategies from their experience with flexible models.

In closing, the study presents several examples of how companies and other players in the business world are using family-friendly approaches to benefit from the opportunities the crisis offers.