The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) on Tuesday announced the first roundtable discussion under the framework of the CareDivide Project.

The project focuses on integrating work-life balance solutions and gender-equal workplace policies.

The event will take place on Thursday, March 20, 2025, from 15:00 to 17:30 at the chamber’s headquarters in Nicosia.

It will bring together employers, managers, HR professionals, representatives of labour market authorities, social partners, policymakers, and other relevant stakeholders.

The discussion will explore how work-life balance solutions and gender-equal workplace policies can enhance organisational performance.

Participants will also examine the benefits of supporting employees with caregiving responsibilities, particularly in terms of productivity, talent retention, and employee engagement.

Additionally, the roundtable will address how initiatives like the CareDivide Project can help businesses attract top talent, reduce employee turnover, and improve their reputation as employee-centric organisations.

In its statement, Keve stressed the importance of addressing the challenges caregivers face in the workforce.

“Supporting employees with caregiving responsibilities is not just a social obligation but a strategic advantage for businesses,” the chamber stated.

“By adopting gender-equal workplace policies, companies can create a more inclusive environment that benefits both employees and the organisation,” it added.

It also said that “the disproportionate burden of caregiving on women limits their workforce participation and career growth, affecting gender equality and business performance alike”.

The event is part of the CareDivide Project, an EU-funded initiative under the CERV Lump Sum Grants, which promotes work-life balance and the implementation of gender-equal policies.

The chamber explained that the project aligns with the EU’s Work-Life Balance Directive (2019), which seeks to improve flexible working arrangements and carers’ leave.

It aims to address the gender imbalance caused by caregiving responsibilities, which disproportionately affect women, limiting their professional development and economic participation.

“This project provides businesses with practical tools and strategies to support employees, ultimately fostering a more balanced and resilient labour market,” Keve stated.

The CareDivide Project is implemented across Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Romania, and Spain, with key partners including Keve and the Centre for Social Innovation (CSI).

“By fostering collaboration between businesses, policymakers, and social organizations, the CareDivide Project aims to build a more resilient and balanced labour market,” the chamber said.

“Building a more inclusive and balanced work environment is essential for business success and social progress,” Keve concluded.