Balancing family and work is becoming increasingly important for securing a skilled workforce.

Under the title ‘Improving work-life balance – securing skilled workers: A call to action for businesses’, companies and policymakers discussed the importance of family-friendly working conditions in Berlin in September 2024. The findings of the study ‘Family-friendly employers: The attractiveness study’ clearly show that employers who cater to the needs of mothers, fathers and carers increase their attractiveness in the labour market.

Key findings of the study

The study highlights what employees expect from family-friendly employers:

• Mothers: 60 % would like flexible working hours and consideration for childcare arrangements – without this having a negative impact on their careers.
• Fathers: 45 % would like to be encouraged to take parental leave and would welcome flexible working hours and remote working arrangements.
• Family carers: need reliable working hours and flexibility to accommodate short-notice care needs without having to work extra hours.

Views from the worlds of politics and business

Federal Minister for Family Affairs Lisa Paus emphasises that companies risk losing skilled workers if they neglect work-life balance – particularly at a time of skills shortages.

DIHK President Peter Adrian also stresses that a good work-life balance is a crucial factor in retaining skilled workers.

Conclusion

Family-friendly working conditions are a clear competitive advantage. Companies in the Augsburg region can boost their appeal and actively tackle the shortage of skilled workers by taking greater account of their employees’ needs.

You can find the full study here.

‘Family as a Key to Success’ Network

With over 8,900 members, the ‘Erfolgsfaktor Familie’ business network is the largest nationwide platform for employers who are interested in or committed to family-friendly HR policies. Membership is free of charge and open to all companies and organisations.