Prepared for what lies ahead in tourism
Stay up-to-date with current, independent statistics and information on tourism in the Alpine region.
F.acT: Why was VerNetzT - Vereinbarkeit Netzwerk Tirol founded and what is the objective behind it?
Lisa Keiler: VerNetzT was launched in September 2024 by Regionalmanagement Innsbruck-Land to relieve the burden on families with caring responsibilities - be it childcare or caring for relatives. Many families face the daily challenge of reconciling professional demands with private care responsibilities. This double burden often leads to stress and makes it difficult to achieve a stable work-life balance.
This is precisely where VerNetzT comes in: The aim is to support companies and municipalities in the Innsbruck-Land region in actively promoting work-life balance. By raising awareness, sharing knowledge and highlighting examples of good practice, companies are encouraged to better meet the needs of employees with care responsibilities. This not only improves the quality of life for families, but also makes better use of employees' potential - a clear benefit for everyone involved.
F.acT: What examples of best practice from tourism companies are there?
Lisa Keiler: Many tourism businesses in Tyrol and beyond are already demonstrating that work-life balance can be successfully implemented. This includes flexible working time models such as flexitime or adapted shift schedules that specifically address the needs of parents. In addition, some hotels rely on in-house childcare or cooperation with local kindergartens. Another particularly effective tool is regular employee appraisals, in which topics relating to work-life balance are deliberately included. Especially when a child is about to be born, it is important to seek a discussion at an early stage, show understanding for the new life situation and develop perspectives together. This signals to employees that their family situation is recognized, that they are welcome and that the company will be happy when they return after maternity leave. This feeling of having a reliable and appreciative employer, even with a child, strengthens loyalty and motivation in the long term.
Some companies already offer information, advice days or internal support networks for family caregivers. These help employees to prepare for possible care situations at an early stage and to feel well supported and relieved if necessary.
F.acT: How can tourism businesses - together with municipalities, regional management and your network - get into action and what support does VerNetzT offer for this networking and implementation?
Lisa Keiler: For the first time, these are the most important steps for tourism businesses to start implementing:
- The first step should be to determine what employees' needs are in terms of family, care or flexible working hours. This can be done through surveys, individual discussions or workshops.
- It is then a good idea to try out small, practical measures, such as flexible shift schedules, job sharing, a lunch table for employees' children or targeted employee discussions on the topic of work-life balance. This allows experience to be gained without tying up large amounts of resources.
- Finally, the corporate culture is key. Managers must be sensitized, role models must be created and communication must be open. It is important that work-life balance is perceived as part of the corporate strategy and that employees know that their needs are taken seriously.
VerNetzT offers advice on work-life balance-friendly measures, networks companies with each other as well as with municipalities and experts and organizes workshops, exchange formats and information services. In this way, companies receive practical impulses and concrete ideas for implementation in order to sustainably anchor work-life balance in everyday company life.