Header
Kiva

Lincoln Family-Friendly Workplaces Certification 

Organizations are finding that family-friendly policies are not just good for employees, they strengthen the whole organization. By helping workers balance job and family responsibilities, such as through childcare support highlighted by Lincoln Littles, employers can attract and keep talent, while also building a more committed and motivated workforce. Companies that adopt these approaches often experience lower absenteeism, reduced healthcare costs, and a healthier, more resilient workplace culture.

Become a Family-Friendly Workplace

Step 1: Understanding Now

Consider what policies and practices your organization already has in place that support working parents. Use this resource HERE to see a list of family-friendly practices that organizations of all sizes might consider implementing.

Step 2: Recognize Accomplishments

APPLY for the Lincoln Family-Friendly Workplace Certification to call attention to the work your organization has already done to support your working families.

Step 3: Seeing the Potential

Ask working parent employees how they already feel supported on the job and what they would like to have or need in order to feel more supported. After applying for the Family-Friendly Workplace Certification, you will receive an example survey you can use in your workplace. Check out the resources provided before to get ideas for growing your family-friendly practices.

The Lincoln Family-Friendly Workplaces Certification recognizes employers who demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting working families with young children, implement family-friendly workplace practices for their employees, and help make Lincoln a great place to Live, Work, and Play by prioritizing family well-being and early childhood support.

Employers that meet at least 7 out of 10 qualifying criteria will receive the Lincoln Family-Friendly Workplace Certification:

Family-Centered Workplace Supports

  1. Paid Parental Leave (maternity, paternity, or adoption)
    • Description: Paid time off for new parents helps families bond and adjust without losing income.
    • Example: A company provides 6 weeks of fully paid leave for all new parents, regardless of gender or whether the child is biological or adopted.
  2. Flexible scheduling or remote/hybrid work options
    • Description: Flexibility allows employees to balance caregiving and work responsibilities.
    • Example: An employee with school-aged children can shift their hours to start early and finish by 3 p.m. or work remotely two days a week.
  3. Caregiver support resources
    • Description: Employers provide programs, referrals, or assistance to help employees manage caregiving responsibilities for children, elders, or other dependents. This goes beyond basic leave and ensures families have access to practical support.
    • Example: An employer offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with free counseling sessions, legal advice, and childcare referrals. Or, a workplace partners with a local nonprofit to provide parenting workshops or financial planning sessions for families.
  4. Dedicated spaces and support for breastfeeding or pumping
    • Description: A private, clean, and comfortable space with proper amenities for nursing parents.
    • Example: A workplace provides a lactation room with a chair, electrical outlets, sink access, refrigeration, and a locking door.
  5. Health benefits that include family and dependent coverage
    • Description: Health insurance options that cover spouses, children, and dependents.
    • Example: A company's health plan allows employees to add their children at a reduced group rate.

Childcare Support

  1. Childcare stipends or flexible spending accounts
    • Description: Financial help to offset the high cost of childcare.
    • Example: An employer provides a $200 monthly stipend toward childcare or offers a Dependent Care FSA with pre-tax contributions.
  2. Contributions to Lincoln Littles Tuition Assistance Program or other community-based childcare support efforts
    • Description: Businesses invest in broader community childcare solutions.
    • Example: A local bank donates annually to Lincoln Littles so that low- and middle-income families can access quality childcare.

Inclusive Culture & Community Engagement 

  1. Workplace policies recognize and support all family types and caregiving structures
    • Description: Policies acknowledge that families come in many forms and ensure that benefits and supports apply equally, whether an employee is a single parent, stepparent, foster parent, adoptive parent, grandparent caregiver, or part of a two-parent household.
    • Example: Parental leave is offered to all new parents, including those who adopt, foster, or share caregiving responsibilities in blended families.
  2. Opportunities for employees to engage in community events
    • Description: Paid volunteer time or company-sponsored service activities.
    • Example: Employees get one paid day per year to volunteer at a school, food bank, or early childhood program.
  3. Offers family-inclusive workplace events or spaces
    • Description: Company gatherings or spaces where families are welcome.
    • Example: A business hosts an annual summer picnic with activities for kids or has a family lounge in its office building.

About the Certification Program 

Lincoln Family-Friendly Workplaces Certification is brought to you by Lincoln Littles and the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development. The purpose of the program is to help businesses attract and sustain a strong, inclusive local workforce through the implementation of family-friendly workplace policies and practices. This is essential to support business success, grow our economy, and improve access to employment for Lincoln's labor force. The program provides resources & support to all area employers free of charge.

Reach out to us with questions:

Anne Brandt

Anne Brandt
Executive Director of
Lincoln Littles
anne.brandt@lincolnlittles.org

Allison Hatch

Allison Hatch
Director of Talent Development
Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development
ahatch@selectlincoln.org

You're in good company! Join these dynamic companies already investing in the Lincoln community.

Give us a shout and speak with a human.
We are ready to help you lead your business into the future.
 

Phone
Give Us a Call
402.436.2350

We'd love to talk to you about opportunities for your business here in Lincoln.

Call 402-436-2350
An @ symbol
Drop Us a Line
info@selectlincoln.org

Ask anything! We will give you insider information about the city we love.

Send an Email to info@selectlincoln.org
Go to /lincoln/news
Arrow trending up
Follow Our Progress

See the new projects and expansions in the most dynamic city on the Silicon Prairie.

Go to /lincoln/news