Family Friendly Workplaces
The MCEL supports local efforts to encourage the development of family-friendly workplaces in Greater Kansas City. The MCEL partnered with the Midwest WholeChild Development Group, the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and the Women's Bureau, Region VII, U.S. Department of Labor, to conduct a survey and publish a report on work-family issues in March 2005. Some excerpts:
Becoming More Family Friendly
Most businesses recognize the need to implement family-friendly programs, but many feel they do not have the resources to do so. Small businesses, in particular, may find it difficult to provide all of the supports for balancing work and family that they would like.
Simple, inexpensive ways that businesses can become more family friendly:
- Allow employees time to eat lunch at their children’s schools, or to participate in school-related activities with their children during the day.
- Offer flexible work options to help employees meet family responsibilities.
- Allow “floating holidays” for employees to take time off during holidays that are culturally important to them.
- Allow staff to take annual leave in hourly or half-day increments.
- Implement a policy to stay in touch with employees who are on leave after having a child or adopting a child, or on an extended leave due to illness.
- Sponsor in-service sessions, brown bag lunches, etc. on topics of interest to employees. Do not assume what their needs and interests are — ask.
- Develop a support network for new parents or other employees who face common issues. Provide space for them to get together.
- Sponsor regular events for employees and their families.
- Introduce a workplace policy for employees who are nursing mothers.