University of Siegen strengthens work-care balance
The University of Siegen has joined the NRW state program "Reconciling work and care". By signing the "Charter for Reconciling Work & Care in NRW", the university has officially committed itself to paying greater attention to the needs of employees with care responsibilities and to developing appropriate structures in the long term.
The state program supports employers in creating framework conditions that enable employees to combine work and caring for relatives. The aim is to keep skilled workers in employment and at the same time reduce individual burdens. For the University of Siegen, participation means systematically developing existing support services and anchoring the topic institutionally. "The topic of care is also becoming increasingly important at the University of Siegen. In recent years, we have therefore repeatedly set corresponding priorities in the services offered by the Family Service Office," reports Dr. Elisabeth Heinrich, Equal Opportunities Officer at the University of Siegen. "By joining the state's Career & Care program, the university will be better able to meet the increasing needs, the offers will be significantly expanded and at the same time sustainably anchored."
Specifically, employees will benefit from improved information and advice structures. Two employees from the Family Service Office have already qualified as university care guides. They are the first point of contact for questions about reconciling work and care, provide information about the legal framework, internal and external support services and mediate between employees and employers if necessary. The care guides have access to a web-based information portal of the state program with practical materials, checklists and exchange formats. This provides those affected with low-threshold, confidential support in often challenging life situations. Students benefit equally from the advice and information on offer.
University members can also take part in exclusive information and networking events organized by the NRW state programme. Details on the offers, upcoming dates and how to register can be found here .
In addition, the state program strengthens networking with regional and state-wide players in the care infrastructure, for example through networking events.
