Since 2012, the BLOCK Kinderhaus (daycare center) has been an integral part of the corporate structure of the medium-sized company on Max-Planck-Strasse in Verden. The former janitor's house was converted to meet requirements and renovated to the most modern standards under the company's own direction. The building is in the front area of the company premises, embedded in a beautiful garden with a play area. In addition, the facilities include a bathroom suitable for small children and sleeping facilities for the residents. As for the employees of the company, parking spaces are available for the parents and caregivers directly in front of the daycare center. This year, BLOCK is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the BLOCK Kinderhaus, as the daycare center was officially opened on July 25, 2012.
For Wolfgang Reichelt, CEO of BLOCK Transformatoren-Elektronik GmbH, and his wife Marlis, the advantages of having childcare on their own company premises were quite obvious. Working parents can return to their jobs quickly and BLOCK as an employer does not have to do without its employees for as long. In addition, given the fast pace of our working environment today, the short absence from the job means that there is only a small gap in knowledge when it comes to retraining. BLOCK employees have short commutes, especially when the children are settling into their new environment, are generally on site quickly and can save the extra trip to the daycare center before starting work. In addition, further training opportunities are possible with BLOCK as an employer, even parallel to one's own family – whether training, studies or doctorates. The Reichelt family made a conscious decision to self-finance the daycare center and has not taken advantage of any public funding to date. However, the children’s parents have the option of applying to the district of Verden for financial support for the places in the BLOCK Kinderhaus.
The BLOCK Kinderhaus accepts children from age 0 to three years and can care for eight children a day thanks to the support of three permanently employed childminders.
Over the years, a total of 110 children have "grown up a bit" in BLOCK's care. One third of all children were the offspring of BLOCK employees, and this year in particular the "own contribution" is very high, with seven out of eight children. The BLOCK Kinderhaus is available for care five days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. all year round, with the only break being between Christmas and New Year.
The compatibility of work and family is a cornerstone of modern work culture and is supported at BLOCK from its own resources and on its own premises. And this has been the case for 10 years now – a very good reason to celebrate!