Herald Corp. acquired a family-friendly certification from the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family in recognition of promoting employees’ good balance between work and family life, the company said Thursday.

The family-friendly certification is given to companies that provide exemplary welfare schemes for workers. The certification is valid for three years and can be extended for two additional years upon review.

This is the first time a media company has received the family-friendly certification in the country.

Herald Corp. has offered various welfare benefits for employees, including childbirth grants and subsidizing school expenses for children. The company offers 1 million won ($850) to congratulate an employee for the birth of the first child, 3 million for the second baby and 5 million for the third child. It also offers subsidies for child care leave, receiving a near perfect score in the evaluation of female employees’ maternity leave programs.

“Based on our management philosophy to place our employees and their families at the foremost, we believe we have been awarded for our efforts to operate systematic programs to support them,” a representative from the Herald said.

The company has also been active in creating a pleasant working environment, such as by offering cultural events in the office, providing low-sodium meals at the company cafeteria and holding an organic food market every month. The award ceremony will be held at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Dec. 22.

By Lee Hyun-jeong (rene@heraldcorp.com)