Elements of a Family Friendly Work Place
Becoming an employer of choice
is the goal of many organizations. One way to get the competitive
edge is to be considered a family friendly organization. Below you will find some
programs that you may want to consider in addition to providing
alternative work arrangements to help establish your organization as
family friendly. For more detail, where available, click on the item that you are
interested in. Keep checking back as we plan to add more here.
Day Care: Finding quality day care is often a very difficult and
time-consuming task for parents. Providing either on-site care for children or
at least close proximity will help. If money or space constraints stand in the
way of providing a company day care, the organization can still do some of the
leg work of investigating the quality of care available in local child care
facilities. This will take some of the burden off employees. Providing the
results of a standardized questionnaire is probably the best bet. Maybe you can
at least work out a discount. Also utilize a Flexible Spending Account. This
saves both the employee and the organization tax dollars.
Elder Care: Caring for elderly relatives is becoming more of a concern
for many employees today. Provide resources to make the search for quality care
more efficient. Dependant Care Flexible Spending Account dollars can also be
used for Elder Care under some circumstances.
Lactation Room: Some states are considering legislation that would
require employers to make a reasonable effort to provide non-paid breaks and
appropriate locations for women to pump breast milk while at work. And Minnesota
has already passed legislation. Providing this service is really a win-win
situation. Minimally, an organization can provide a room with a lock, an
electrical outlet and a comfortable chair. The return on this investment is a
happier, more loyal employee who has, according to studies, a healthier baby.
This means less missed work to take care of a sick child. Consider the amount of
time some employees take to smoke !
Sponsor Family Activities: Have a picnic that provides activities for all
ages, organize an outing to a sporting event or a trip to the zoo, have a talent
contest, encourage employees to involve spouses and children in organizational
community volunteer activities. Be creative. The organization doesn't have to
pick up the whole tab either. At a minimum, by organizing a large group, you
should be able to secure a lower rate. Help your employees by providing fun,
affordable family activities.
Scholarships: Provide scholarships for the college-age children of
employees.
On-site Dry Cleaning Service: No, we don’t mean that you need to set up
shop. Check with local dry cleaning services. If you have enough employees at
your site it would be worth while for the dry cleaner to pick up and deliver
right at your door to get the extra business.
Concierge Program:
This is becoming a popular benefit with many employees. It doesn't
necessarily fall under "family friendly" but it certainly
can. This is a very flexible option. Employers can offer
employees discounted dinners, hotel rooms, vacations or movies. If
you are a large organization you may have the negotiating power to
secure great deals on your own. Many organizations, however, are
contracting with companies that rely on the collective numbers of many
employers to secure great rates on services.
Provide Holiday Shopping on-site: Ask local merchants to bring
merchandise to your organization. Or, allow employees to shop on-line and have
packages delivered at work.
Health and Dental Benefits: Provide family insurance coverage.
Back to
Employers Home Section
|
