For a good work-life balance

In North Rhine-Westphalia, around 1.2 million people currently require care, most of whom are looked after at home by relatives. Many of them are employed: around 500,000 working people care for loved ones in addition to their jobs. As employers who recognize the changing circumstances of their employees and provide them with targeted support, companies ensure that employees remain motivated in the long term—and that the company remains attractive.

Münsterland Career & Care Network

Our network in the Münsterland region is committed to making it easier to balance professional demands and family care responsibilities. This creates clarity, flexibility, and security for employees in particularly challenging life situations.

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State program for work and care in North Rhine-Westphalia

The state program "Vereinbarkeit Beruf & Pflege" (Work-Life Balance) supports companies throughout North Rhine-Westphalia in improving the work-life balance for their employees with care responsibilities, while at the same time ensuring that they continue to work for your company as skilled workers. 

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Why it's worth it

The need for care is increasing significantly in Germany—and with it, the pressure on businesses. Many employees care for relatives in need of care in addition to their jobs. This can be stressful and affect performance and motivation in the workplace. That is why the Münsterland Work and Care Network offers several services to support companies in this area:

  • Practical information & concrete assistance
  • Support in dealing with specific care situations (e.g., checklist for care arrangements)
  • Option to train trusted individuals ("care guides") within the company
  • Direct networking and orientation system with on-site counseling services
Die eingerahmte Charta, mit der sich Unternehmen für eine gute Vereinbarkeit von Beruf und Pflege einsetzen.

Charter on the compatibility of work and caregiving in North Rhine-Westphalia

As an employer, we see it as our responsibility to respond to both demographic change and the specific needs of our employees who have caregiving responsibilities. As participants in the state program, we have also signed the charter. This charter recognizes companies, authorities, and organizations in North Rhine-Westphalia that are actively committed to improving the compatibility of work and caregiving—for example, by training care guides, reviewing individual working time models, or using a company care kit.

Companies that already offer measures to promote work-life balance or would like to pursue this path together with their employees can sign the North Rhine-Westphalia Charter on Work-Life Balance. It is also expressly aimed at organizations for which signing the charter represents a public commitment to further developing care-friendly practices within the company. 

Companies that would also like to sign the charter can contactberufundpflege@kda.deby email.

Benefits of the Charter

  • High-profile declaration of intent to develop a care-friendly company
  • Visibility of the commitment within and outside the company, including a logo for the website, communications, and recruitment of skilled workers
  • Access to the state program's digital information portal with information on work-life balance, opportunities for exchange, and networking
Ein orangenes Siegel mit den Worten "Vereinbarkeit Beruf & Pflege".

Qualification of care guides

Through the state program, employees can qualify as company care guides. They help to improve the compatibility of care and work within the company, provide information and raise awareness on this topic, and support colleagues with care responsibilities. As trusted contacts, care guides provide initial guidance, refer to external support services and regional advisory networks, and provide information on internal compatibility services and legal frameworks.

In addition, practical information materials are available via the state program's digital portal, including content from the care kit developed in Münsterland, continuing education opportunities, and current articles from science and practice.

  • Participation in the state program and qualification as a care guide through the AOKs is free of charge. Companies invest the time required for participation. This usually involves two days of qualification courses.
  • The network for work-life balance provides direct on-site support to companies and also offers events on the topic, such as network meetings for care guides.

  • Regular training courses are held for companies or organizations that want to have their care guides certified. Next dates: www.berufundpflege-nrw.de/anmeldung-pflege-guide

     

Frequently asked questions about the state program, the care guides, and the charter

Contact person

Anja Bülters
Assistenz der Geschäftsführung & Personal