Organized by the Ministry of Culture and Innovation, the conference entitled “Cooperation of Generations for a Competitive Future” was held at the Museum of Fine Arts on November 15. The settlement of Kulcs was also represented.
Photo: Csaba Agárdy
Key: award and application money
At the event, the 2024 Age-Friendly Local Government Award, the Award for the Protection of Human Dignity, the Monspart Sarolta Award, the Award for the Elderly and Families, and the Family-Friendly Workplace Award were presented. In the latter category, the mayor’s office in Kulč was also awarded, which received HUF 1,500,000.
A Ministry of Culture and Innovation on behalf of the National Cultural Support Management, this year also announced an open tender to support the creation and development of family-friendly workplaces. The purpose of the tender is to support family-friendly workplace programs that implement the creation and development of family-friendly workplaces, which promote the reconciliation of work and private life, and the coordination of family, private life and work obligations.
For the tender with a frame amount of one hundred million forints
employers – small, medium and large companies, budget and church bodies – who do a lot to strengthen and develop an employer approach that recognizes the value of family life, and to create a balance between work and private life, could apply. Applicants can receive a non-refundable grant of up to five million forints and win the title of “Family-Friendly Workplace”.
The competition, which promotes the creation of family-friendly workplaces, has been encouraging companies and institutions to introduce family-friendly initiatives, programs and services for 14 years now. Over the years, the Family-Friendly Workplace award has grown into a recognition that makes it easier for employers to find reliable, efficient workers. The rank of the award is indicated by the fact that, in the past decade and a half, many companies or businesses submitted their applications to receive the recognition, which did not require financial support, as they financed the family-friendly measures on their own, and only
wanted to use the Family Friendly Workplace title.
Last year, fifty winning applications received financial support, and another twenty-one applicants earned the Family Friendly Workplace title, thus increasing the number of employers successfully participating in the application to more than 600. (kormány.hu)
What initiatives has Kulcs implemented to foster intergenerational cooperation in the community?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Dr. Helga Németh, Secretary of Kulcs
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good afternoon, Dr. Németh. Thank you for joining us today. I understand you recently attended the conference titled “Cooperation of Generations for a Competitive Future” and the awards ceremony associated with it. Could you share your thoughts on the significance of this event?
Dr. Helga Németh (HN): Good afternoon, and thank you for having me. The conference was quite impactful, bringing together various stakeholders to discuss the importance of intergenerational cooperation. This is crucial for fostering a society that is not only competitive but also supportive of all ages. The discussions illuminated how diverse perspectives can lead to innovative solutions.
TNE: That’s fascinating! At the ceremony, several prestigious awards were announced, including the Age-Friendly Local Government Award. Can you elaborate on how Kulcs achieved this distinction?
HN: Absolutely! Kulcs was recognized for its initiatives aimed at creating a more inclusive environment for the elderly and families. We implemented a series of programs designed to enhance accessibility, provide better healthcare services, and promote community activities that encourage engagement among different age groups. Our efforts are aimed at building a supportive community where everyone’s needs are met, regardless of age.
TNE: It sounds like Kulcs is setting a commendable example. I noticed that the awards also included a Family-Friendly Workplace Award, which your municipality received. Could you explain what initiatives earned you this recognition?
HN: Yes, we were thrilled to receive the Family-Friendly Workplace Award. This recognition came as a result of implementing policies that promote work-life balance, such as flexible working hours, parental leave, and the option to work from home. Our goal is to create a workplace culture that prioritizes family time while maintaining productivity, which ultimately benefits the employees and the community.
TNE: That’s a crucial aspect of modern work culture. The Ministry of Culture and Innovation also announced an open tender for family-friendly workplace programs. How do you see this initiative impacting local governments and workplaces?
HN: The open tender is a significant step toward creating more family-friendly environments across the nation. By providing financial support for local governments and businesses to implement such programs, we encourage the development of workplaces that understand and meet the needs of families. This not only helps in talent retention but also boosts community well-being as people feel more supported in balancing their work and home lives.
TNE: It’s heartening to see the government taking such initiatives. What do you believe are the next steps for local governments in enhancing intergenerational cooperation, beyond what was discussed at the conference?
HN: The next steps lie in continued collaboration among local administrations, community organizations, and the private sector. We need to invest in joint programs that bring together young and old, share resources, and create platforms for mentorship. Additionally, raising awareness about the importance of intergenerational relationships through educational programs can help foster mutual respect and understanding.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Németh, for shedding light on these vital initiatives and accomplishments in Kulcs. Your insights are not only inspiring but also provide a roadmap for other municipalities looking to emulate your success.
HN: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure discussing these important topics, and I hope more communities will take steps toward fostering inclusiveness and support for all generations.