5 signs your office is family-friendly

It’s hard being superwoman. A study found 67% of women professionals in Malaysia are planning to quit their job in the next year due to inadequate family-friendly policies. However, a recent survey by Monster.com in Malaysia showed that 89% of those polled believe in-house creches for new mothers would help to retain female employees.

Both results indicate that family-friendly offices are becoming increasingly important for workers in Malaysia. Use our checklist below to see if your current office is family-friendly. If your company doesn’t stack up, it might be time for a change.

1. Flexibility
   No matter if you are applying for a new job or renegotiating with your current employer, you should look out for flexibility and telecommuting. Before going further into the application process, make sure you find out where your employer stands on flexitime and remote working.
   
   Is there an option to adjust work hours when needed? Are you able to leave the office if there is an emergency? Providing this leeway not only empowers employees, but will also help to retain skilled personnel over a longer period of time.
   
   
2. Family leave
   Explore whether your employer provides any kind of formal paid leave for family needs. Companies participating in “Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day” are likely to include such parental benefits.
   
   This not only includes maternity or paternity leave, but extends to family leave that is needed to care for kids or elderly parents. Other family benefits might include a health insurance package that also covers your children or parents.
   
   
3. Breastfeeding support
   Many employers offer specific breaks to allow employees to pump breastmilk during working hours. However, some employers distinguish themselves by providing a lactation room for breastfeeding mothers, while others take the extra step by providing breastfeeding education classes and post-pregnancy support services.
   
   If this is important to you and your family, it’s best to have this conversation with your future employer before accepting an offer.
   
   
4. Family-friendly work events
   Does you company have family events held throughout the year? Many family-oriented companies hold bonding activities at least twice annually. It’s not only great for team-building but also helps to create a sense of community among co-workers. 
   
   These family events might a casual picnic or even a full-day sporting event and a festive celebration. Besides creating a sense of belonging, these events will also help workers to get to know each other outside the office environment.
   
   
5. Daycare assistance
   Are there any daycare facilities in your company’s office? This will indicate whether your company is making an effort to support parents. It could be an onsite or offsite centre, either way it’s a valuable asset for any parent.
   
   While some employers may subsidise a portion of daycare fees, others help employees in selecting daycare centres by providing information about local facilities.
   
   In a nutshell, a company should place importance in an open and honest culture to create a family-friendly workplace. Sometimes, subtle signs such as family pictures or kids’ drawings in the office might give you an indication of how important family values are for the company.