As a byproduct of COVID-19, employees hold family time at a much higher value and the implementation of family-friend workplace policies are essential to maintaining a positive company culture. Companies who implement family-friendly policies experience a multitude of short and long term benefits. Studies have also showed that U.S. companies who have implemented certain policies (such as flexible work schedules) saw higher motivation and productivity in the workplace.
To guide you in creating a family-friendly workplace, consider the following benefits:
Extended parental leave policy: offering birth parents, non-birth parents and adoptive parents 8+ weeks paid time off to spend more quality time with their children.
Telecommunity options
Subsidized child care or other child care benefits
On-site medical care services (for non remote workplaces)
College coaching programs for both employees and their dependents
Flexible work schedules
Healthcare benefits for all dependents
Adoption benefits for families looking to expand
Family-oriented events: company picnics, "bring your kid to work day"
Elder care: offering opportunities for employees to provide elder day care or home care
Employee assistance programs
It is important to note that the adoption of family-friendly policies is much more than a simple decision, rather it involves a chance in perception about the nature of a workplace or community and about what's important for businesses. For that reason, promoting family-friendly policies should take time and careful consideration. Here are some considerations on how to adopt family-friend policies:
Survey/interview employees to see what's important to them.
Create a clear, well-defined goal for the policies you would like to be implemented.
Research the specific policies you are looking to adopt.
Create clear, well-defined guidelines for your new policies.
Communicate, communicate, communicate.
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