Just like its media, G+J’s culture stands for autonomy, reliability and independent thinking. But these can only arise in a liberal atmosphere. Therefore, G+J creates a work environment that offers extensive professional development opportunities to all employees, without prejudice and regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic origin or other differences. The rationale behind this is as follows: an international company can only be successful if it recognizes the diversity of its workforce and harnesses this potential.

G+J supports the development of entrepreneurial as well as journalistic talents. The company’s flat hierarchies mean that career advancement is not just restricted to formal promotion, but taking on greater responsibility within the various divisions is just as important for personal growth and development. To enable this, there are a number of other G+J schemes such as the company’s daycare center which helps parents combine family and work. Various fitness schemes are also on offer, ranging from the company sports group to specially organized health week events.

The physical fitness and health of its employees are G+J’s motivation for promoting sports. The variety of sports and events, as well as the active involvement of employees, are part of the corporate culture. In 2008, the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce honored G+J with the “Sport Merkur” award for its commitment to company sports. G+J will receive the prize at the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce in February 2009 as part of the 4th Hamburg Sports Gala.

A healthy working atmosphere and satisfied co-workers are very important to Gruner + Jahr. We believe that work and private life and family and career are not mutually exclusive.

We wish to support employees who are also parents. Our commitment is not restricted to providing a wide range of information, but also includes support in case there are problems with childcare and the new company agreement on “planning and designing parental leave and return to work” as well as “improved compatibility of family and career”.

Last year, there were two occasions that showed how well G+J’s family-oriented staffing policy works. Under the patronage of Ursula von der Leyen (Federal Minister for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth), W&V, the media and market research company, carried out a survey in March to find out which was the best family-friendly company, and G+J won. In December, G+J won the "Deutscher Kinderpreis“ award in the category "Kinder bewegen Unternehmen" (“Kids inspire companies”). This prize is awarded by child aid foundation World Vision Deutschland in cooperation with the Protestant Church.

Says G+J Executive Board member and President of Corporate Services, Achim Twardy: “The prizes honor a crucial part of the Gruner + Jahr corporate culture. G+J creates ideal conditions for their employees so they can reconcile both family and career.”