Improving the work-life balance plays a key role in securing the supply of skilled workers – also in the German SME sector. Two thirds of SMEs have already adopted specific policies for creating more family-friendly working conditions. Knowledge-intensive manufacturing firms and service providers are leading the field and many are optimistic that digitalisation will further contribute to balancing work and family life.

Flexible arrangements for working hours and working from home are among the most common measures being adopted by SMEs to improve the balance between work and family life. Rather less common to date are policies designed to support child daycare or granting leave to care for close relatives. SMEs that have adopted specific policies are more likely to be growth-driven and regard a more family-friendly workplace culture as an advantage in competing for skilled labour.

Small and medium-sized enterprises offer family-friendly working conditions as a way to attract skilled workers(PDF, 220 KB, non-accessible)