The purpose of the “WorkLife 4U” project is to change societal norms about the traditional roles of women and men in the family and at work to reduce the problems that young people face in employment and while raising a family. The project raises awareness of the unequal distribution of responsibilities within the family and the unconscious bias of employers due to stereotypical expectations. Thus, in employment and advancement, preference is given to young men even though women are equally educated and capable.
Opportunities for European-funded involvement in MAMFORCE SOCIETY were presented through an audit – a strategic tool for creating an organizational culture that enables the harmonization of professional and family obligations and equal opportunities for the career development of men and women. “Reduced sick leave rates, higher employee satisfaction, increased productivity and a larger number of women in management positions – are the results of the changes we have made in 33 organizations through the audit. These are clearly positive developments, absolutely measurable, which confirm that we are thinking in the right direction. Thanks to the project “WorkLife 4U”, 20 more companies will have the opportunity to improve their policies and practices, and consequently, crucially, productivity, all with EU co-financing. “- said Diana K. Deskovic, CEO of Spona Code, which guides companies through a change in organizational culture to evolve into work environments that stand out as friends of family and women.
As part of the public presentation of the project, the play “WorkLife 4U” by the Association of Words / Real / Performances was shown, in an adapted video format due to the current pandemic.
With the help of the MAMFORCE method, which directs the change of organizational culture towards an inclusive and gender-balanced work environment, companies will identify existing biases, introduce organizational changes and practices that enable a balance between the private and business life of employees. Positive developments and best practices will receive recognition in the form of the MAMFORCE standard as a mark of quality for organizations friends of family and women.
The implementation of the project is co-financed by the European Commission through the REC program (Rights, Equality and Citizenship). The project coordinator is the Ministry of Labor, Pension System, Family and Social Policy, and the partners are the Croatian Association of Counties and Spona Code.
The value of the project is EUR 324,518.06, of which the European Commission participates with EUR 241,675.13. The project is implemented in the period from June 1, 2020, to May 31, 2022.
