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Offer
17.04.2026 Ifenna Ekezie 10725

Parenting Counseling: Support for Families and HR

Balancing work and family life is a challenge that many parents face every day. As a company and a pioneer in Employee Assistance Programs ( EAP) dedicated to supporting employees, we have made it our mission to ease the burden on families and provide solutions to their challenges. 

pme Parenting Counseling offers personalized support to families and businesses

From planning a family and pregnancy to parental leave, part-time work arrangements, and parental benefits, all the way to flexible childcare options and support for HR departments handling complex inquiries: We make it easier to balance work and family life and provide families and HR managers with expert guidance.

Our Parent Counseling Service as a Partner for HR – Targeted Support for Complex Inquiries

Our parental counseling service serves not only as a reliable resource for employees of our partner organizations, but also specifically for HR teams.

You will benefit from our impartial, prompt, and expert advice, particularly when dealing with complex, legally sensitive, or recurring issues— such as parental leave, maternity leave, part-time work arrangements, or how companies handle family-related leave.

Typical situations in which we specifically help relieve the HR department: 

  • How can employees adjust their parental leave (extend or shorten it)? What deadlines and formal procedures must be followed? 
  • How can parental leave be divided up flexibly—and what role does bridge part-time work play? 
  • What are the rules for part-time work during parental leave? 
  • How is vacation entitlement calculated during maternity leave and parental leave? By when must unused vacation days be taken? 

"HR departments, in particular, stand to benefit greatly by providing parents with impartial, expert guidance during challenging life stages. This not only streamlines internal processes but also strengthens employee trust and satisfaction." – Lena Pilz, Head of the Parents & Children Division 

The pme Parenting Advice Hotline 

Here’s how to reach our expert advisors: 

Mon. – Fri. | 9 a.m.–5 p.m.  

Hotline: 0800-801007006 

Not yet a customer of pme Familienservice? Contact us! 

Benefits of Parenting Counseling for HR and Companies 

We offer expert advice and clear, concise answers regarding maternity leave, parental leave, parental benefits, and organizing childcare. 

Your benefits at a glance:

  • Practical support: Quick and legally sound answers to complex issues and special cases 
  • Error Prevention: Reducing Misinformation and Avoiding Formality Errors in HR Processes 
  • Strengthening employee retention: Comprehensive and impartial information for both sides—employers and employees

This is how we ensure that employees and companies receive the best possible support. 

The challenges facing parents today 

These days, parents are often faced with a wide range of demands: balancing a successful career, caring for and raising their children, and keeping the family together—all without losing sight of themselves. 

In doing so, they often face a multitude of decisions and challenges that require time, energy, and frequently specialized expertise : How and where can I arrange childcare for my child? Which school should they attend? Does my child need special support? Where can I get information? 

Our counseling services are specifically designed to provide expert support to parents and families at every stage of life —from pregnancy through the teenage years. 

Our "Parent & Child" product area 

Through our "Parents & Children" product line, we bring together our comprehensive range of counseling services and support for families and create synergies among our EAP products. 

With our broader, holistic approach, we ensure that families and HR professionals receive comprehensive support—regardless of the stage of life they are in or the specific challenges they face. 

An overview of our "Parents & Children" programs

Through our “Parents & Children” program, we offer comprehensive parenting guidance and support on the following topics:

  • Fertility & Pregnancy: Whether you need advice on pregnancy-related questions or support with family planning, we’re here to guide parents every step of the way. 
  • Maternity Leave, Parental Leave & Parental Benefits: We provide information on legal regulations and assist with planning parental leave and applying for parental benefits and financial assistance. Tip: Use our form service for a quick and secure application—especially for parental benefits and child benefits.
  • Search for childcare centers daycare providers: We can help you find the right facility—nationwide, quickly, and tailored to your needs. 
  • Nannies, Babysitters & Au Pairs: For childcare needs outside of childcare center school, private childcare may be the right solution. We connect you with qualified and vetted caregivers. 
  • School & After-School Care: From choosing the right school to planning your vacation—we provide comprehensive advice on all school-related topics and offer vacation programs nationwide.  
  • Teens & Education: As children grow older, new challenges arise. We provide support with career guidance, questions about education, and the transition to new stages of life 
  • Backup & Emergency Care: Spontaneous help in emergencies – we offer professional childcare around the clock at our backup centers across the country.
  • Family Law & Finances: Guidance during separation, divorce, or adoption, as well as referrals for legal advice and assistance with financial matters. 

Request "Parents & Children" programs

Special support for special situations

In some cases, families need special support. We therefore also provide advice on specific topics such as ADHD or learning difficulties, or on challenging family issues such as conflicts, separations or the death of a beloved family member.

We also provide guidance on issues related to the development of children and adolescents, such as puberty, academic stress, and resilience, as well as media consumption and addiction.

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Support for expats and foreign employees and their families

Families who are new to Germany or have been living here for some time often face additional challenges. Through our specialized "Go Germany" counseling service, we help international families settle into life in Germany: 

  • Help with finding childcare 
  • Navigating the German Education System 
  • Assistance with important legal arrangements (powers of attorney, living wills) 
  • Assistance with social security and health insurance 
  • Support in navigating daily life 

In addition to supporting international employees, Go Germany also provides targeted assistance to HR departments and managers during the onboarding and integration process. 

Are you interested in our "Go Germany" offer? Please contact us or reach out to your account manager.

FAQ on Parenting Counseling for Families & HR 

Who can use the pme Parenting Counseling service? 

Parenting counseling is available to both employees of partner organizations and HR teams responsible for personnel management. 

What topics does the parent counseling service cover? 

From maternity leave, parental leave, and parental leave benefits to child care, part-time work arrangements, conflict resolution, and individual support for complex issues—whether organizational or educational 

How quickly can I get help with urgent questions? 

Our parenting advice hotline is available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and provides quick, reliable information—even for particularly urgent matters. Hotline number: 0800-801007006 

What are the benefits of parental counseling for companies and HR departments? 

HR receives legally sound answers, avoids misinformation, and streamlines processes. This strengthens both the organization and employee retention. 

zero What makes a good team?

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Leadership & HR
26.02.2026 Isabel Hempel 3835

What makes a good team?

Why do some teams perform effortlessly while others tread water? pme Academy Director Darina Doubravova explains why looking at the big picture is crucial. Discover the four most important levers and practical tips for immediate cohesion and success. 

Read more in this article: 

 

What does a systemic approach mean for teams?

Does this sound familiar? A team full of talented, committed professionals, but the results are lacking. The atmosphere is tense, projects come to nothing. It's tempting to look for the cause in individual people, but that's usually not enough. A recent McKinsey study debunks the myth that talent alone is enough. The real cause rarely lies with individual members. It lies in the system. Darina Doubravova, head of the pme Academy, guides you through the key factors that turn a group of lone wolves into a real dream team.

"A team made up of 'superstars' isn't inherently a great team—in fact, it can lead to poorer performance."McKinsey, When teams get healthier, the whole organization benefits

The first and most important step toward improvement is a shift in perspective. Teams should not be viewed as isolated islands, but rather as part of a dynamic organizational ecosystem. “Neither individual team members nor teams can be viewed in isolation. They are always part of a complex ecosystem in constant interaction with other teams and the dynamics of the entire organization,” explains Darina Doubravova, Director of the pme Academy.

This holistic perspective is crucial for truly understanding and sustainably improving collaboration within the company.

That is why she recommends that every team make a conscious effort to engage with other teams and ask open-ended questions such as: “What are your actual expectations of us? How do you perceive our tasks and contributions?” Throughthis dialogue, both sides can reveal, align, and, if necessary, adjust their perspectives—a process that, as a genuine shift in perspective, fosters mutual understanding. Only when a team recognizes and actively shapes this systemic context can it realize its full potential and truly contribute effectively to overall success.

"I've noticed in many companies that departments often complain about a lack of appreciation from others. But it's always worth taking a self-critical look: How do I actually view the work of other teams?" says Darina Doubravova. "When teams look beyond their own horizons and take the broader context into account, the result is not only greater appreciation but also better collaboration."

"This is how a good working relationship becomes a true factor in the company's success."Appreciation is not a one-way street; rather, it arises only through mutual exchange and understanding.

Five Key Factors for Successful Team Performance 

Research shows that a team’s success is no accident, but rather stems from specific, learnable behaviors. Studies demonstrate that it is not random factors or the team’s composition alone that make a team successful, but rather principles that are consciously applied in day-to-day work.

"Our research shows that four drivers in particular have the greatest impact: trust, communication, innovative thinking, and decision-making."McKinsey, When teams get healthier, the whole organization benefits 

1. Trust & Psychological Safety: The Foundation 

Without trust, nothing works. It is the foundation that allows team members to take risks, speak their minds openly, and admit to mistakes. Only in an environment where trust prevails can employees freely express their ideas, ask questions, and even voice uncertainties or doubts without fear of negative consequences. This creates an environment where collaborative learning and continuous improvement become possible.

Recent studies show that teams with a strong culture of trust perform significantly better. According to a study by the consulting firm McKinsey, such teams areupto 3.3 times more productive than teams with lower levels of trust. They achieve better results, make decisions more quickly, and deal with challenges more creatively.

In addition, sick leave and employee turnover decrease because employees feel heard and valued. In short: Trust is the foundation for innovation, collaboration, and sustainable success in every team.

 

Practical tips for immediate implementation: 

  • Personal check-ins: Start team meetings with a brief round of personal updates. This creates an open atmosphere where everyone feels like part of the team and trust can grow.
  • Mistakes as learning opportunities:Foster a culture where mistakes are openly discussed and reflected upon together. This strengthens mutual trust and enables innovative teamwork.
  • Demonstrate reliability:Consistently followthrough on agreements and proactively keep your team informed about changes or challenges. This demonstrates reliability and helps build a strong relationship of trust. 

Our research found that teams that scored above average on trust were 3.3 times more efficient and 5.1 times more likely to deliver results than teams with below-average trust.
McKinsey, When teams get healthier, the whole organization benefits 

2. Open communication & feedback: The driving force 

Clear, open, and appreciative communication is the engine that drives the team forward and resolves conflicts before they escalate. Only when all team members know how to talk to each other and give feedback can a trusting atmosphere and productive collaboration develop.

Practical tips for immediate implementation: 

  • Establish rules for communication: Work with your team to establish binding rules for communication. For example, determine which communication tool (e.g., email, chat, face-to-face conversations) is used in which situation and who needs to be informed about important issues. This will help you avoid misunderstandings and ensure clarity.
  • Introduce feedback routines: Establish regular feedback rounds, for example, using the simple and effective 5-finger feedback method.This gives all team members the opportunity to express praise and suggestions for improvement in a constructive manner and to continuously work on their collaboration.
  • Active listening:Practice genuine, appreciative listening. Show your conversation partner that you really want to understand what they mean by asking questions and repeating what they say. This promotes mutual respect and facilitates communication within the team.

Work on your attitude toward feedback: Constructive feedback is a gift and opens up opportunities for improvement.
Darina Doubravova, Director of the pme Academy 

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3. Innovative thinking & diversity: The fuel 

Teams that are open to new ideas and value different perspectives are demonstrably more creative, flexible, and better prepared for change. Diversity brings fresh approaches to solutions, promotes innovation, and increases competitiveness. It is crucial that every team member can contribute their strengths and experiences.

Practical tips for immediate implementation: 

  • Create space for creativity: Block out regular times in your calendar for joint brainstorming sessions. Encourage your team to openly express all their ideas during these sessions—without immediate evaluation or criticism. This will give rise to new approaches and creative solutions.
  • Consciously leverage diversity:Encourage exchange between team members with different professional and personal backgrounds. Specifically ask for different perspectives and show appreciation for different opinions. This will allow you to benefit from the entire wealth of experience your team has to offer.
  • Encourage experimentation: Create a team culture where trying new things and “making mistakes” are actively encouraged. Encourage your employees to launch small experiments or pilot projects. Celebrate learning progress together—regardless of whether the experiment was immediately successful.

​​​​
 

4. Clear decision-making: The steering wheel 

Unclear decision-making processes quickly lead to frustration and paralyze collaboration. Efficient teams, on the other hand, know exactly who makes decisions in which situations and how. This means that decisions are made quickly, everyone involved pulls together, and the team remains capable of acting.

Practical tips for immediate implementation: 

  • Clarify roles: Create clarity within the team by jointly determining who is responsible for which decisions, who provides advice, who makes suggestions, and who ultimately implements them. This transparency provides orientation and increases efficiency.
  • Quality over perfection: Make decisions quickly . Encourage the team to make decisions quickly based on the information available, rather than endlessly searching for the perfect solution. A pragmatic approach saves time and allows for immediate action.
  • Learn from mistakes: Take time regularly to reflect on decisions—especially when the desired result is not achieved. Analyze the causes together without assigning blame. This way, everyone benefits from shared experience and knowledge and continues to develop as a team.

"It's not just about defining clear roles within the team, but also about considering the expectations placed on individual team members from outside the team. The issue of 'breaking down silos' is also becoming increasingly important.
Darina Doubravova, Director of the pme Academy"  

 

 


 

5. Sustainability and the outside perspective 

Self-reflection is good, but looking inward is often not enough. Teams quickly develop blind spots when it comes to their own weaknesses. Leaders often view the situation more positively than the rest of the team. An outside perspective can be crucial for identifying the real areas that need improvement.

External team development is particularly useful when a new team is forming, major changes are on the horizon, or conflicts are hindering collaboration. An external coach can help identify entrenched patterns and show the team new ways forward. 

Teams are often unaware of their most significant gaps and may share blind spots, leading them to prioritize the wrong things.
McKinsey, When teams get healthier, the whole organization benefits

Conclusion

A high-performing team is the result of a continuous process that begins with understanding the big picture. By recognizing their role in the organizational ecosystem and actively working on the pillars of trust, communication, innovation, and decision-making, teams lay the foundation for sustainable success. 

FAQ: Improving team performance 

What makes a good team?

Successful teams are characterized by mutual trust, open communication, diverse perspectives, and clear decision-making. Shared goals, respectful interactions, and a constructive approach to handling mistakes are further keys to success.

How can trust be built within a team?

Trust is built through transparent communication, reliability, and an open culture of accountability. Regular one-on-one conversations, genuine appreciation, and keeping one’s promises foster mutual trust within the team.

What promotes effective communication within a team?

Clear communication, active listening, and respectful interaction are essential. Feedback should be provided regularly and constructively. Shared guidelines for using communication channels help prevent misunderstandings.

What is meant by a systemic approach?

The systemic approach views teams as part of a larger organizational system. It focuses on the relationships and interactions among team members. The goal is to identify patterns in how they interact with one another and thereby foster respectful, solution-oriented collaboration.

What can help resolve conflicts within a team?

Conflicts should be addressed early on. Open, respectful discussions and neutral facilitation help in finding solutions. It is important to view conflicts as an opportunity for growth rather than assigning blame.

When should external team development be used?

External team development is recommended in cases of recurring conflicts, major changes within the team, or when the goal is to improve collaboration over the long term. An impartial outside perspective can help break through entrenched patterns.

Further links

McKinsey Quarterly: "Go, teams: When teams get healthier, the whole organization benefits"
October 31, 2024