Employers helping parents

As an employer or workmate you can play a positive and helpful role in the lives of parents. By understanding the needs of working parents, you can help them adapt and enjoy the experience. And parents who are well supported by policies and practices at work will be happier and more productive.

Family friendly workplaces are good for employers and staff. Workplaces that care about families are happier and more productive environments.

Employers benefit if they learn about:

• how to negotiate a family friendly agreement
• how to review work and family strategies – and perhaps create new ones
• how family friendly policies will help their business
• how to develop a work and family policy.

Tips for creating a family friendly workplace

1. Allow flexible start and finish times.
2. Provide flexible arrangements for parents returning to work after having a baby.
3. Find out about and publicise local childcare and school holiday care.
4. Hold meetings within normal working hours.
5. Introduce ‘make-up’ time so staff can make up hours if they need to leave early for any reason.
6. Have a 'Bring your Child to Work' day or a family gathering day.
7. Have a policy for mothers who are breastfeeding.
8. Explain your work and family policy to employees (existing and new).
9. Extend social events to families and partners.
10. Include work and family issues when reviewing your workplace agreement.

What is the law about working parents?

If you’re interested in reading legislation about working parents, the relevant Federal laws are:

• Discrimination and Family Responsibilities
• Workplace Relations
• Unlawful termination
• Legislation for Workers with Family Responsibilities.

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