The University of Bremen has once again received confirmation of its “Audit Family-Friendly University” certification from the board of berufundfamilie Service GmbH. This marks the third time the University of Bremen has secured the certification with distinction, serving as special recognition for its long-standing, sustainable efforts to create family-friendly working and study conditions. The “Audit Family-Friendly University” certificate is regarded as a seal of quality for a strategically designed work-life balance policy.
 

The University of Bremen was awarded the title of family-friendly university for the first time in 2007. To obtain certification, it had to develop concrete measures and goals in eight areas of action, including, for example, human resource development and academic qualification, the organization of work, research, and studies, and services for families. These were subsequently reviewed by the auditors. In 2020, the certificate was granted on a permanent basis. Since then, the renewal of the certificate has been carried out through a simplified dialogue process. 
 

The goal of the dialogue process is to maintain the high standard of family-friendly working and study conditions and to leverage the potential for optimization in selected areas. To ensure the quality of the certificate, another dialogue process will need to be completed in three years.
 

From Holiday Childcare to Multi-Generational Parks: A Wide Range of Services 
 

The services currently include a variety of offerings such as counseling and childcare. Childcare services encompass daycare spots on and near the campus, emergency childcare, children’s holiday camps, and after-hours care. A comprehensive Dual Career Welcome Service supports partners in their job search. Visiting researchers and newly appointed faculty members, along with their families, can also receive support at the Welcome Center.
 

The Family Care Office is a point of contact for all university members with family responsibilities - ranging from pregnancy and childcare to caring for relatives. It offers counseling, informational and networking events, children’s summer camps, and guided tours. A monthly Family Caregiver Support Group, where experts answer questions on the topic, has become a regular feature
For students with caregiving responsibilities, the Family-Friendly Studies Working Group provides support through initiatives such as children’s festivals and parent cafés.
 

To support a sense of community, a multi-generational park has been created on the campus, which is an outdoor space for relaxation, socializing, and physical activity.
Over the next three years, existing services will be expanded. Specifically, this means redesigning the child-friendly spaces at the university to make them even more appealing. All-gender restrooms are also to be established in the buildings on the university campus. Additionally, services specifically for fathers will be created, and leaders will be made even more aware of caregiving issues. 
 

Further Information:
 

https://www.uni-bremen.de/en/familie
https://www.berufundfamilie.de/english-info

Contact:
 

Miriam Ahrenholz
Administrative Unit 08: Central Administrative Affairs / Organizational Development
University of Bremen
Phone: +49 421 218-60857
Email: miriam.ahrenholzprotect me ?!vw.uni-bremenprotect me ?!.de