Family-friendly employment practices (FFEPs) are good human resource management measures adopted by employers to help employees balance work and family obligations. They are also part of the management strategies to create a win-win situation for employers and employees.
An employee is not only a staff of an organisation, but also plays the family role of a parent, son or daughter. As a good employer, creating a family-friendly working environment not only fosters employees’ sense of belonging by relieving their pressure from shouldering both work and family responsibilities, but also enhances its corporate image and assists in attracting and retaining manpower.
To cultivate a family-friendly workplace, the management’s recognition of relevant concept and their full support in terms of resources and action as well as mutual support among staff are indispensable.
Employers can put in place different types of FFEPs, having regard to their company size, resources and culture, as well as employees’ family needs, to serve the best interests of the enterprises and the employees.
Examples of FFEPs include:
Special leave to meet employees’ family needs
Flexible work arrangements
Support for the employees and their families