WHU Recognized as a Family-Friendly Organization

Those who work at WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management were already in the know—and now, it’s set in ink: WHU ranks among one of the most family-friendly organizations in the whole of Mayen-Koblenz County. In the elegant ambience of Namedy Castle, district administrator Dr. Alexander Saftig handed the certificate to Peter Christ, Head of Administration at WHU. Every two years, the county honors the three most family-friendly companies in the region per size bracket (i.e., max. 20 employees, 21 – 100 employees, and finally 100+ employees). This is also the first time that WHU has participated in the competition, placing second in the 100+ category. “We’re thrilled that we were able to come in second on our first time participating, and also to be standing as a non-profit organization among the other honorees,” said Peter Christ after accepting the award on the school’s behalf.

Dr. Saftig, who opened the ceremony and warmly greeted the companies’ advocates, honorees, and representatives from the Chamber of Crafts and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) Koblenz, said, “Mayen-Koblenz County offers an excellent infrastructure, and job pay plays an important role as well. Being able to find and keep skilled workers, it often comes down to how compatible work life is with family life, though.” According to him, these companies having taken measures to be more family friendly is of considerable value to the whole district and has led to an increase in how attractive the district is to those ready to enter the workforce.

WHU, with locations in Düsseldorf and Vallendar, has made significant efforts over the past few years to offer its employees a proper work/life balance. This includes, among other initiatives, a flexible, family-friendly, and age-appropriate working schedule; access to its own daycare center; the option to work from home; and the provision of all the necessary technical equipment to allow for smooth communication. WHU also scored some points for its internal health care management, its First Responders team, its offer of intercultural trainings, and its regional marketing. The Chair of Diversity, as well as the student initiative Diversity at WHU, equally helped convince the jury.