Carinthia: Where Work Meets Quality of Life
In Carinthia, everyday well-being comes from a balance of efficient services, innovation and extraordinary natural surroundings. Astrid Kircher-Yu from the Carinthian Welcome Center – a key point of reference for anyone choosing to live and work in the region – explains how Carinthia enables people to combine their personal and professional lives with ease.
In your experience, how do factors like public services, the healthcare system, and modern infrastructure contribute to making everyday life in Carinthia balanced and manageable?
In Carinthia, several factors contribute to making everyday life balanced and manageable. As part of the Government of Carinthia, the Carinthian Welcome Centre is the first official self-service touchpoint for home comers, newcomers and anyone wishing to live and work in Carinthia. The healthcare system in Carinthia is well-developed, with several hospitals, clinics and medical facilities providing comprehensive care. The region also has a good number of doctors and medical professionals. What makes Austria’s (and Carinthia’s) healthcare system stand out is that it offers the same, straightforward access to all healthcare services — from speedy emergency care to organising long-term care — for anyone with health insurance. Carinthia is investing heavily in transportation infrastructure, with the new Koralmbahn high-speed rail line significantly reducing travel time to and from Carinthia’s major centres. Carinthia also prioritises modern broadband, state-of-the-art digital communication infrastructure, and seamless logistics links across the Alps-Adriatic region.
Could you share a specific example, either personal or professional, of how local policies or workplace initiatives have had a positive impact on people’s well-being?
The Carinthian Welcome Centre is a central hub set up by the Government of Carinthia to provide support and services to people who plan to live and work in Carinthia. This service provides free support and information to individuals living in or moving to Carinthia in areas such as career opportunities, education, childcare, healthcare, leisure activities, and housing. It also facilitates connection with local companies, offers administrative assistance, and helps with networking. The goal is to help individuals settle quickly into their new home, providing direct access to useful contacts and saving time on research.
Looking ahead, what key priorities should be pursued to preserve and strengthen Carinthia’s distinctive work-life balance?
Carinthia offers a unique blend of natural assets and economic opportunities. Located at the intersection of three countries, I believe it offers cultural diversity and a high quality of life. With a strong focus on innovation, education and sustainability, Carinthia provides a whole host of opportunities for professionals, families and individuals. The region offers state-of-the-art infrastructure, including transportation links to major cities, and a supportive environment for entrepreneurs and start-ups. With its outdoor activities and vibrant cultural scene, Carinthia is an attractive destination for those seeking a fulfilling work-life balance.
Astrid Kircher-Yu
Astrid Kircher-Yu leads the Carinthian Welcome Center, the official advisory service of the Government of Carinthia. As an important part of Regionmarketing Carinthia, the goal of the Carinthian Welcome Center is to present Carinthia as an attractive place to live and work. During her academic training at the University of Klagenfurt, Astrid Kircher-Yu focused on the fields of English and American Studies as well as Applied Cultural Studies. She has experience in project management and marketing and is responsible for providing information about living and working in Carinthia, building and maintaining cooperative contacts, and organizing and conducting events.