Happy employees for a successful company

Juggling family life and work is never easy, which is why Bertelsmann, together with the independent provider PME Familienservice, assists its employees with a wide range of offers.

Our employees aren’t the only ones who benefit from a healthy work-life balance: A 2004 study of eight companies including Bertelsmann, performed by Prognos AG, concluded that companies with work-life balance programs can reap the rewards in terms of competitive advantage and cost savings. So comprehensive measures to reconcile work and family life have become crucial to the success and competitiveness of companies.

Childcare at work

“Villa Kunterbunt” and “Villa Sonnenschein” are two company daycare facilities in Gütersloh that have been available to employees for several years. Bertelsmann has provided a financial and conceptual approach for these facilities since 1992 and 1993 respectively, thereby creating daycare slots for children in the immediate vicinity of the Bertelsmann Corporate Center. Opening hours are based on parents’ working hours and are adjusted annually to reflect any changes. Due to increasing demand for daycare for younger children, the first group for under-threes was established in summer 2006.

In addition, the Central HR division cooperates with PME Familienservice to provide counseling and assistance in finding suitable local childcare options, including during vacations and in emergencies. The family service also provides assistance in choosing between nursing care options for elderly or sick dependents.