The importance of such measures is particularly evident during the summer holidays. Nine weeks off school contrast with a significantly smaller number of days’ holiday for parents. Organising childcare over such a long period is a challenge for many families. And by no means can everyone rely on grandparents or other relatives. Grandparents may live further away, still be working themselves, or be unavailable to look after the children for other reasons.
Holiday childcare provides real relief
This makes holiday childcare schemes organised or supported directly by employers all the more valuable. They give parents planning certainty and enable them to get on with their work whilst their children are well looked after and, at the same time, enjoy varied holiday experiences.
Raiffeisenlandesbank OÖ demonstrates how this can work. As a family-friendly employer, the bank offers its staff a comprehensive childcare programme for their children during the summer holidays.
“Our commitment to service is directed not only at our customers but also at our staff. Family-friendly initiatives such as our holiday programme promote a healthy work-life balance and strengthen our corporate culture,” emphasises Reinhard Schwendtbauer, Chief Executive of Raiffeisenlandesbank OÖ.
Nine weeks full of play, sport and discovery
The holiday programme runs throughout all nine weeks of the holidays and is being used by around 160 children this year. Together with external partners such as KidsmeetSports, the Kuddelmuddel Children’s Cultural Centre in Linz, Ferienbestzeit and the Upper Austrian Family Association, a varied programme of play, sport, creativity and new discoveries is being created. Special adventure days – such as a children’s mountain bike training session with Babsi Mayer – also ensure unforgettable holiday moments.
Added value for families – and for the company
The fact that Raiffeisenlandesbank OÖ takes a long-term view of family-friendliness is also demonstrated by its ‘berufundfamilie’ certification, which has been in place for more than 15 years. The key factor here is that the measures are tailored to the actual needs of staff. #schongenial, because it’s during the holiday season in particular that it becomes clear just how valuable practical support can be.
