Lessons Companies Might Glean from Eurawasser Nord's Strategies
In a significant recognition of its commitment to work-life balance, Eurawasser Nord has been awarded the "Reconciling Work and Private Life" certificate and award for the fifth time by the Institute for Social Research and Professional Development (ISBW).
The cooperation between Eurawasser Nord and ISBW began in 2009, marking the start of a journey towards creating a work environment that prioritises the well-being of its employees. This award is a testament to the company's unwavering dedication to this cause.
However, the road to this achievement was not without challenges. In the past, flexible working hours were not well received by the employees. But through countless discussions and the creation of a catalog of measures, the company has managed to make flexible working hours a well-accepted part of its culture.
Eurawasser Nord's Managing Director, Janine Drücker, emphasises that work-life reconciliation is a fixed component of the company's strategy. She values the seal and uses it as a selling point during job interviews, stating that it improves a company's standing in a candidate's eyes.
The high level of employee satisfaction is evident in feedback from the workforce. Many employees at Eurawasser Nord have family and children, and they do not want to take a whole day of vacation for appointments. To address this, the company grants leave for medical appointments, a practice not common in many workplaces.
In addition to flexible working hours, Eurawasser Nord offers a job bike and subsidies for visual aids. The company is currently in talks with management to enable discounted memberships in fitness studios. Until the Corona period, there was the possibility of massages for employees, which has since been discontinued.
The quality seal received by Eurawasser Nord from ISBW is associated with increased applications. Stefanie Drese, Minister for Social Affairs, Health, and Sports, encourages imitation of companies with such awards. The state benefits from successful initiatives like the one at Eurawasser Nord, according to ISBW Managing Director, Grit Thiede-Reichel.
Companies with awards like this serve as a great showcase for Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (MV). Unfortunately, there are no specific companies in MV named in the provided results that have received a certificate for reconciliation of work and private life in recent years, nor is there clear information indicating government support for such an initiative in the search results.
Successes like those at Eurawasser Nord are important factors in employee retention, according to Minister Drese. Works council member Mirko Klein confirms the high level of satisfaction, stating that flexible working hours are well received. The quality seal signifies implementation, not just intentions, as explained by Grit Thiede-Reichel.
In conclusion, Eurawasser Nord's commitment to work-life balance has been recognised once again with the Reconciling Work and Private Life award. The company's efforts in this area serve as a model for other organisations and contribute positively to employee retention and satisfaction.
