COMBINING FAMILY AND WORK

Since then, employees at the headquarters have been able to get tips from an electronic information platform on how to reconcile work and family life more effectively. Assistance and help is offered here, for example, on carpooling, child birth and child care, as well as a contact person for life coaching or counselling.

The Internet portal has evolved over time, so that more areas could be integrated, such as an apartment exchange or carpooling. Our employee suggestion system has been significantly improved by the so-called TEDi letter. Each employee can use this to advance constructive criticism, praise and suggestions for improvement. With this communication medium every manager can be reached directly. Here confidential handling and the fastest possible personal reply are particularly important for us.

The action that has been implemented also includes small gestures, which indicate sympathy: for instance we welcome the newborn babies of our employees with a baby starter-set made up of TEDi items, making the start easier for the parents. As it is traditional in the industry, the proportion of women is very high also at TEDi, with about 90 percent. About 80 percent of our managers are female. In particular during pregnancy and the post natal period, time off for child care is jointly organised, and the opportunity for flexible working hours or, where necessary, part-time employment is examined. During parental leave, we stay in touch with our staff and assist them in the orderly return to work. Our managers make courtesy calls and these facilitate the reintegration of employees.