The principle of treating others with respect is firmly rooted in the mission of the Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences (FHV). Central to this commitment is the respect for and promotion of diversity in all its forms. Gender equality is consistently pursued through a dedicated gender equality plan, ensuring fairness and inclusivity across the institution.

To live up to these principles, the Diversity Staff Unit (led and run by one diversity officer) at FHV is dedicated to promoting inclusion, participation, equal treatment, diversity, and mental health across our community. In addition, a team of ten staff members serves on the Diversity Committee, actively fostering social support and a culture of tolerance at FHV. They are the go-to resource for questions around diversity, gender, disability, chronic illness, age, background, care responsibilities, and more – ensuring a respectful and inclusive environment for both work and study. In 2023 alone, 67 students, applicants, and employees benefited from this extensive support and counselling service.

In addition to its comprehensive counselling and support services, FHV has implemented numerous initiatives and events to foster gender equality, diversity, and inclusion. This article highlights three standout DEI best practices: promoting family-friendly policies, leveraging empirical research on discrimination and/or harassment, and emphasizing the crucial role of inclusive language in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion at FHV.

FHV is a Certified ‘Family-friendly Company’ – But What Does That Mean?

Balancing caregiving responsibilities with a degree can be just as demanding as balancing it with a career. Caregiving obligations may involve caring for children or close relatives. To support its students and employees, FHV has established family-friendly structures, with ongoing efforts to enhance them. The following examples illustrate how this support is put into practice:

FHV students have options such as studying part-time, utilising online learning platforms for communication and coursework, and benefiting from prioritised enrolment at a nearby childcare facility. The International Office also offers special Erasmus+ grants for students with children who are studying or interning abroad. Additionally, heads and administrators of FHV’s study programmes strive to provide individualised solutions for students with caregiving responsibilities when needed.

For FHV employees, being part of a “family-friendly company” means e.g. access to proactive parental leave management, a flexible working hours system with home office options, priority allocation of childcare places (but no assumption of costs or in-house childcare), and dedicated advisory services for balancing work and caregiving responsibilities.

For the fifth time, FHV has been awarded the ‘Family-Friendly Company’ seal by the state of Vorarlberg.

‘We are very proud of this recognition,’ said Isabella Maier-Venc from HR and Fabian Rebitzer from the Diversity Unit. ‘Supporting the balance between family and career is a top priority, and we continue to implement measures that promote equality at FHV.’