Family-friendly workplace policies and practices

Idea for Action Summary

Family-friendly practices in the workplace refers to policies that make it possible for employees to more easily balance family and work.

When employers support childcare, they can hire and retain talented people, which can boost profits and productivity. In addition, children who have access to early childhood education and care are more likely to perform well in school, be physically healthier, and demonstrate long-term positive development outcomes.

Governments can support families – including those parents who staff their agencies, as well as employees of the organisations and companies in their districts – by introducing or strengthening laws, regulations and social policies that support families’ needs. These policies include national employment standards and labour laws, which provide allowances for paid parental leave, family leave and paid sick days, and they address discrimination against pregnant women and mothers.