Family Friendly Workplaces™ is a global movement dedicated to embedding family-friendly policies in organisations to create healthier, more inclusive, and productive work environments. The programme provides a structured framework for employers to assess, enhance, and gain certification as a Family Inclusive Workplace™.

Family-friendly workplaces benefit employees, businesses, and society by:

• Boosting productivity and engagement: Employees who feel supported are more motivated and effective.
• Enhancing an organisation’s ability to attract and retain top talent: A family-friendly reputation makes businesses stand out.
• Supporting employees in balancing work and family responsibilities, reducing stress and absenteeism.
• Promoting gender equality: Family-friendly policies reduce barriers for caregivers, ensuring equal opportunities for all.
• Improving health and wellbeing: Leading to happier and healthier employees and families.

The Family Inclusive Workplace™ certification is awarded to organisations that meet best-practice Global Work + Family Standards, demonstrating a commitment to family-friendly policies.

 

Organisations looking to become a Family Inclusive Workplace™ follow these steps:

1. Self-Assessment – A short online survey (less than 30 minutes) determines eligibility.
2. Accreditation Process – An in-depth online questionnaire of 130 questions (approx. 3 hours).
3. Evaluation – Assessment by a senior consultant and review by a Working Families Expert Relationship Manager.
4. Certification – Organisations receive a report with strengths, areas for improvement, and action plan recommendations.

From application to evaluation to certification, the process takes approximately 8 weeks.

The Self-Assessment report and a 30-minute consultation cost £295. This fee is offset against the certification cost if you proceed with full accreditation.

Certification is valid for 2 years, with a 12-month review required to ensure progress on the action plan. Certification fees are paid annually.

To be certified, organisations must meet the minimum requirements of the Global Work + Family Standards, which include:

• A flexible working policy framework
• A paid parental leave policy
• A carer’s and wellbeing policy or framework
• Leadership support for policy implementation
• Employee feedback tools to measure policy success

If your workplace doesn’t yet meet these criteria, we work with you to guide improvements and help you get there.

The certification questionnaire includes 130 questions and should be completed by someone with access to HR policies and practices. It typically takes 3 hours to complete and includes:

• Providing examples of policies in action
• Sharing employee stories and testimonials

• Your responses will be assessed by a senior consultant using standardised evaluation tools.
• A detailed report will be provided, outlining strengths and areas for improvement.
• A meeting with your Relationship Manager will be scheduled to discuss results, connect you with industry professionals, and provide resources.
• No individual data will be shared publicly.

• Enhance employer branding – Attract top talent with a reputation for inclusivity.
• Reduce turnover and absenteeism – Employees stay longer and perform better.
• Strengthen social impact – Family-friendly workplaces positively influence communities.
• Drive diversity and inclusion – Breaking down caregiving barriers leads to a more diverse workforce.
• Improve employee wellbeing – Creating a workplace culture that supports work-life balance.

Once certified, organisations receive:

• A Family Inclusive Workplace™ badge for use in internal and external communications.
• Brand guidelines to help promote your certification.
• Marketing assets to celebrate your achievement and inspire other businesses.

Yes! We view this as a partnership. Your Relationship Manager will guide you in developing an action plan and accessing the services and resources needed to reach your goals.

No. Certification is part of a continuous improvement journey. Certified organisations must:

• Provide progress updates after 12 months to maintain certification.
• Continue developing family-friendly policies to align with best practices.

Step 1: Complete the online self-assessment (30 minutes).

Step 2: If eligible, proceed to the full accreditation process.

Step 3: Work with our team to assess, improve, and certify your policies.

Step 4: Gain recognition as a Family Inclusive Workplace™!