In many countries, the work-life balance has become a topical social issue. It also constitutes one of the focal areas being tackled by the Global Diversity & Inclusion management team at Henkel. We know that the capabilities and talents of our employees can only be optimally utilized if we also assist those people to successfully manage the challenges of harmonizing the demands of their career with those of their family.

Henkel supports its employees in reconciling their professional commitment with their personal life and future planning. At our German sites, for example, a ‘Family and Work’ committee defines objectives and devises solutions in order to ensure that real progress is made in this direction. Special attention is given within this context to providing care for children under three years of age. In 2006, childcare capacity available at Düsseldorf amounted to 26 places. The Gerda Henkel childcare center in Düsseldorf-Holthausen, founded in 1940, offers a total of 90 places. In 1997, Henkel transferred the funding and administration responsibilities relating to these facilities to the workers’ welfare organization Arbeiterwohlfahrt (AWO) Familienglobus gGmbH, a charitable trust with limited liability headquartered in Düsseldorf. And this successful and long-standing collaboration is to continue in respect of the new childcare center ‘Kleine Löwen’ (= Lion Cubs) which opened in October 2008, offering a further 65 places and thereby increasing the number of child care capacities for under three year old children significantly

The externally oriented ‘Family Service’ unit and the Social Services department at Henkel also assist our employees in Germany in their search for care facilities for their children and other dependants. As well as providing various advisory services to our employees, they will also find expert personnel from outside agencies whenever specialist support is required.

Two further examples: In Austria, Henkel in collaboration with a company called ‘Employee Service’ offers its employees a comprehensive advisory and support service in the fields of conflict mediation, health, pregnancy and family affairs. And at our Spanish sites, we are developing together with the service provider ‘Más Vida Red’ (More Life Network) a program comprising various training courses and services relating to the field of family and work.