European Endowment for Democracy (EED) is an example of a caring workspace with participatory working groups and policies. EED is an independent grant-making organization, established in 2013 by the European Union (EU) and the EU member states. EED supports civil society organizations, pro-democracy movements, civic and political activists, independent media platforms, and journalists working towards a pluralistic and democratic political system. 

EED has safety policies to prevent workspace hazards and accidents. At EED, there are allocated spaces for socializing and recreational activities. There is a code of ethics for workspace attitude and behavior as well as practices that care for employee wellbeing and respond to employees’ care needs and responsibilities. EED employees benefit from social rights such as health insurance, lunch allowance, transportation allowance, and gender+ focused policies such as childcare support and extended parental leave. Moreover, EED’s policy document recognizes the right to parental leave for all employees.

At EED, there are working groups and commissions designed to make decision-making and implementation processes more participatory. EED organizes regular and inclusive team meetings for each employee to raise their concerns, demands, and ideas. It encourages participation in training and seminars to support employees’ self-improvement and implement programs to support employees’ mental health. As part of its institutional culture, EED provides opportunities for socializing beyond the workspace.

Sources: https://democracyendowment.eu/en