Whether it is to be recognised as an attractive employer or to even enable potential skilled workers with family obligations to consider joining, companies are well-advised to integrate work-life balance into their corporate strategy.

Network Office "Success Factor Family"

The "Success Factor Family" network, a central platform for family-friendly companies, helps here. Founded in 2007 by the Federal Ministry of Family Affairs and the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK), it offers free support to its members in implementing family-friendly HR policies – with events, publications, and a comprehensive database that also facilitates networking. These activities are managed by the "Success Factor Family" network office located within DIHK Service GmbH, which also coordinates collaboration with key actors.

By joining for free, you can benefit from the following offerings:

• Share experiences and develop ideas: Exchange experiences with other members via the member search, where you can find corporate partners from your industry and businesses in your region.
• The member logo highlights your family-friendliness both externally and internally: Whether on your products, your website, or your letterhead – the "Success Factor Family" logo visualises your commitment to work-life balance.
• Showcase your successful engagement: Present yourself as a good example on the network office’s website, in its newsletter, and on its social media channels.
• Information materials and checklists: Delivered to your door! Suggestions, tips, and information on balancing family care and work – especially for small and medium-sized enterprises.
• Utilise events and web seminars: The network office relies on skilled speakers and experts. At national and regional events, it works with you to develop ways to embody family-friendliness in your company.
• Leverage the Compatibility Progress Index: This index evaluates your HR metrics and assists in strategically aligning your family-friendly corporate culture and measuring progress.
• Exclusive member area: Gain access to additional resources, such as image materials, text modules, complete interviews from "Success Factor Family" profiles, or access to the valuable Practice Box.
• As a new member, you will be invited to a welcome and networking day, enabling you to meet other network members and further develop your family-friendly HR policies.
• Find extensive online resources: At www.erfolgsfaktor-familie.de, you can access all events, brochures, reports, and announcements.

"Local Alliances for Family"

Family-friendliness enhances the attractiveness of companies and regions. Local alliances for families connect actors from politics, civil society, business, and administration to create a family-friendly environment locally. The service office under DIHK Service GmbH supports over 300 alliances throughout Germany. All information is available on the Federal Initiative's website at www.lokale-buendnisse-fuer-familie.de.