For many women in Austria, access to stable, well-paid jobs remains a challenge. Those with low formal qualifications or who have been out of the workforce for a long time often struggle to find opportunities for professional development. Many work in industries with high staff turnover and low wages, making it difficult to build a secure future.

FairPlusService started as a European Social Fund (ESF) project in 2020 to help change that. By offering free, high-quality coaching and consulting to companies and their female employees, the initiative is helping women gain new qualifications, access better career opportunities, and feel more valued in their workplaces. At the same time, it supports businesses in developing fair and future-oriented employment strategies, making them more attractive employers.

Matching skills with opportunities

The project works in industries such as trade, tourism, cleaning, healthcare, and education – sectors where many women are employed and often earn below-average wages. FairPlusService provides training and coaching to help them build new skills, adapt to digital and green transformations, and secure long-term employment.

Nicole Fröwis, Managing Director of Hans Sperger GmbH und Co KG, is one of the business leaders who sees the value of the project: ‘As a company with 90% female employees, I am delighted to be part of FairPlusService. It is important to me to offer my female employees more opportunities for professional and personal development through professional advice. It is particularly important for women with low formal qualifications to realise their valuable potential; and as an employer, I benefit from loyal and motivated employees who realise their professional development.’

By working closely with company management and HR teams, the project ensures that businesses can implement equality-driven strategies that benefit both employees and employers. This approach also helps to address Austria’s ongoing labour shortages by investing in the potential of women who are already in the workforce but may lack formal qualifications. 

Extending success for the future

After a successful first phase between 2020 and 2023, during which 61 companies completed the programme, the project has been extended until 2028 for its strategic importance in strengthening Austria’s labour market and promoting equal opportunities between women and men.