The future of work: Where are the people?

Result

64% of German citizens are in favor of providing greater support for families with children – for example, through tax breaks, additional vacation days, or other relief measures. This clear majority points to a growing societal need to place family policy more firmly at the center of labor and social policy debates.

The survey results make it clear: Supporting households with children is no longer seen as just an individual concern, but is increasingly understood as a socially relevant task – especially in the context of a changing working world.

Reasons

The demands placed on families have changed significantly in recent years. While traditional role models have lost importance, the structural framework remains constant in many places. Flexible work arrangements, lifelong learning, and increasing employment demands contrast with a childcare system that, in many places, offers limited planning security.

At the same time, the importance of mental health and job satisfaction is being recognized more strongly. Studies show that well-being, recognition, and work-life balance not only increase individual quality of life but also have economic benefits – for example, through reduced absenteeism and greater employee engagement. Family-friendly policies are therefore increasingly seen as a location factor – both for companies and for regions.

Furthermore, the societal expectation that education and development should be lifelong processes clashes with the time constraints of many parents. Those who are expected to be professionally flexible and willing to pursue education need reliable and supportive framework conditions – not least to ensure participation and equal opportunities.

Forecast

It can be assumed that family-related support measures will gain in importance in the coming years. Against the backdrop of demographic changes, a growing demand for skilled workers, and evolving work models, supporting families represents not only a social but also an economic necessity.

In addition to traditional measures such as tax breaks or extra vacation days, the importance of company-provided work-life balance solutions will increase. Employers who establish flexible working hours, training opportunities with childcare, or a family-oriented corporate culture will have a long-term advantage.

Overall, there is much to suggest that targeted support for families will become the foundation of a sustainable working world – not least to secure individual potential and enable social participation.