Schwalm-Eder district: Award as the most family-friendly employer!

Schwalm-Eder district: Award as the most family-friendly employer!

A reason to be happy in the Schwalm-Eder region: The Schwalm-Eder district administration was awarded the quality-protected seal “Family-friendly employer in the state of Hesse”. There was a high-ranking visit today from Hesse's Interior Minister Prof. Dr. Roman Poseck, who presented the coveted award. This makes the district administration one of the pioneers of family-friendly personnel policy in the region and has made a name for itself as one of the largest employers in the district, with over 1,300 employees.

But what makes the district administration so special? Within its human resources policy, it relies on modern working time models, including flexible working hours and the possibility of mobile working. In addition, transparent management structures and a truly welcoming culture have top priority. District Administrator Winfried Becker emphasizes how important it is to create a working environment that takes into account the balance between work, family and care - especially in times of a shortage of skilled workers in public administration.

Family friendliness as a future strategy

The federal government sees change in the world of work as inevitable. “In order to remain efficient, we have to be attractive to our employees,” explains Poseck. This not only includes fair pay, but also support for family obligations and health services. The award serves as a stimulus to optimize processes through new technologies and creative ideas and to strengthen the population's trust in the administration.

In the course of 2025, a total of 59 departments, universities and administrations were awarded the seal of quality. This shows how important the issue of family friendliness is becoming for public employers. This also includes new ministries that take care of digitalization and innovation, as well as support for families, seniors, sport, health and care. Since its introduction in 2014, the seal of quality has already produced over 500 certifications and remains a central component of the personnel and organizational policy of public bodies in Hesse.

Further training and career opportunities

An additional highlight of the Schwalm-Eder administration is the clearly structured career and advancement opportunities. The human resources department, led by Tobias Heipel, relies on an appreciative leadership culture and continuous exchange between the teams. In addition, regular training courses are offered that, in addition to professional qualifications, also strengthen skills in health, self-management and communication.

The outstanding achievements were not only recognized in Schwalm-Eder. Cities such as Mühlheim am Main and various district administrations have taken part in the certification process for the first time, while Wiesbaden and the Waldeck-Frankenberg district have already been certified in the second round. So it's clear: the path to family-friendly administration is not only being followed, but also actively being shaped.

So let's stay tuned to see how family-friendly human resources policy will develop in the future and what new ideas will allow the public service in Hesse to flourish in the coming years.