Table of Contents >
Chapter 25. Changing Policies >
Section 11. Promoting Family-Friendly Policies in Business an... >
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| Contributed by Phil Rabinowitz |
Checklist
Here you will find a checklist summarizing the important points of the section.
What are family-friendly policies?
__ Employer or workplace policies, in both business and government, that make it possible for employees to more easily balance family and work, and to fulfill both their family and work obligations.
__ Government laws, regulations, and social policies that recognize the importance of families to society, and act to meet, directly or indirectly, the needs of children, parents, and the oldest generation.
Why should you promote family-friendly policies in business and government?
You promote family-friendly policies because:
__ They allow parents to spend more and better time with their children.
__ Family-friendly policies reduce stress not only for parents, but for anyone caring for a family member, or coping with a difficult personal medical problem.
__ They allow more choices, making it possible for employees to exercise more control over their lives.
__ Employees taking advantage of family-friendly policies are more productive.
__ By creating a better work-family balance, family-friendly policies allow employees in two-income or single parent families to improve their economic status and quality of life.
__ Family-friendly policies help employers keep valuable employees.
__ Family-friendly employers have more to offer new job candidates, and are thus able to recruit and hire the best.
__ Family-friendly policies generate employee loyalty.
__ Family-friendly policies are better for family stability and for children, thus improving the outlook for the next generation.
__ They allow more people to work, and thus to contribute to the society.
__ Family friendly policies are fairer to employees, reflecting, better than many other business practices the values of an egalitarian and democratic society.
Who should promote family-friendly policies?
To promote family-friendly policies, you enlist:
__ Business people, especially those who have instituted family-friendly policies in their own businesses.
__ Politicians and other policy makers.
__ People affected by family-friendly policies, or those affiliated with them, such as unions.
__ Key individuals.
__ The media.
__ A broad-based coalition, including most or all of the above, as well as community members.
When should you promote family-friendly policies in business and government?
You promote family-friendly policies:
__ When employees and families broach the topic themselves.
__ When you can demonstrate that families are having a difficult time.
__ When family issues are in the news.
__ When family becomes an issue in a political campaign.
__ During labor negotiations.
__ During a community development campaign.
How do you promote family-friendly policies in business and government?