Work & Family

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What is a family-friendly workplace?

A family-friendly workplace is one where employees feel that they are supported by management and their colleagues in meeting both their work commitments and their family responsibilities. Family-friendly employers accept that family responsibilities will have an impact on employees' working lives, and are prepared to accommodate these needs wherever possible.

Employers can promote a family-friendly workplace by developing and maintaining a supportive work culture for employees with family responsibilities, and by introducing family-friendly work practices.

In a family-friendly workplace, it will be acknowledged by management and staff that many employees may have responsibilities in relation to older or disabled relatives, as well as, or instead of, young or school age children. Employees with other non-work responsibilities or commitments, including study, will also benefit from a work environment where employees are seen as whole people with lives and responsibilities outside work, which will sometimes impact on their working lives.