FH Kufstein Tirol once again honored for family friendliness

For the fifth year in a row, the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol has received the universityandfamily certificate from the Austrian Ministry of Families and Youth. This once again confirms the consistent commitment of the higher education institution to promoting the compatibility of degree programs, careers and family life. An early example is the part-time degree program in Real Estate & Facility Management (now: Facility & Real Estate Management), which was launched in 2000 and offered students flexibility from the outset.

“Measures such as flexible working hours, childcare services and support during parental leave improve the work-life balance and promote a productive, satisfying atmosphere. Such offers increase the satisfaction and loyalty of students and employees, as they convey the feeling that their individual circumstances are respected and supported,” emphasizes FH Rector Prof. (FH) Dr. Mario Döller. ”Family friendliness is a central component of the higher education institution's social responsibility and will continue to gain in importance in the future.”

NEW MEASURES AND INDIVIDUAL SOLUTIONS

Project manager Maximilian Hörfarter explains: “Since the initial certification in 2012, we have implemented numerous measures, including small but effective steps. For example, we are planning to purchase children's chairs for the cafeteria to make it easier for students and employees with children to have lunch together.”

Hörfarter is particularly proud of the family room, a measure that has been implemented since the last recertification three years ago: “This is very unique.” Christina Manzl, the point of contact for students with children at the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol, explains: “In this room, students with children have the opportunity to breastfeed, change nappies or simply retreat in peace. Since there is also a fully

Manzl, who is also a member of the universityandfamily project group, emphasizes that the higher education institution focuses on individual solutions: “We primarily seek personal dialogue to find out what parents need and how we can best support them.” The universityandfamily program is very successful, according to Manzl and Hörfarter. Feedback from students and staff is consistently positive. It is not only parents who benefit, but also those who have to take care of relatives in need of care.

FH CEO Managing Director Prof. (FH) Dr. Thomas Madritsch emphasizes: “Many of our students juggle the triple burden of family, job and degree program. Our employees also often face family challenges. By providing generous solutions, we can increase satisfaction and loyalty. As part of the recertification process, we regularly invite employees and students to discuss further opportunities for improvement.”

CLEAR OBJECTIVES FOR THE COMING YEARS

The Kufstein University has not only been re-certified for the universityandfamily quality seal, but has also formulated clear goals for the coming years. The following priorities were set during the audit: the regularity and predictability of lectures should be improved to accommodate students with care responsibilities. In addition, the formation of networking groups is planned to promote exchange among these students. The family-friendly infrastructure will be further expanded and a time-out management system will be implemented. 

Measures that have already been introduced, such as the health day, are to be continued and expanded. In addition, the information offered to managers on balancing the demands of a higher education institution and family life will be expanded. Regular meetings of the audit project group are to be ensured in order to guarantee a continuous improvement process.

These clear objectives underscore the Kufstein University's commitment to creating a family-friendly and supportive environment for students and employees. With these innovative measures, the Kufstein University continues to position itself as a pioneer in family-friendly matters and is committed to actively promoting the reconciliation of degree programs, careers and family in the future.

Links:

• More details about the family-friendly UAS Kufstein
• More details about the hochschuleundfamilie certification at: familieundberuf.at