Paid leave and employee well-being are the focus of a three-part policy series on family-friendly business practices by the Clark-Fox Policy Institute at Washington University in St. Louis. The researchers argue that a family-friendly workplace benefits both employees and businesses.

“For employees, it enhances work-life balance and job satisfaction,” the authors explain. “For businesses, it leads to higher retention rates, reduced absenteeism, and improved productivity. Policies such as paid leave, flexible work arrangements, and affordable child care help employees manage their family responsibilities while maintaining their professional commitments, ultimately contributing to a more dedicated workforce.”

Family-friendly workplaces

The series addresses paid leave, attracting good employees, and the future of the workforce. These topics were chosen based on extensive community input and research.

“For our reports, we blend existing research findings with the lived experience and voice of our community partners to develop evidence-informed policy recommendations,” the researchers explain.

Among the issues covered, one of the most pressing is paid leave. Paid leave is vital as it supports employees during critical times, like caring for a new child or a sick family member, without the stress of losing income. It promotes better health outcomes for both employees and their families, reduces financial strain, and enhances overall job satisfaction and loyalty. For businesses, offering paid leave helps retain valuable talent, reduces turnover costs, and increases employee productivity and morale.

“These reports provide the latest research and evidence-informed recommendations, empowering our community partners to advocate for needed change,” the authors conclude. “They also ensure policymakers can make informed decisions that benefit children and families. Our aim is to develop reports grounded in empirical science that amplify community voices and bridge the gap between research and equitable policy.”