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Family-Friendly Workplace Qualifying Criteria

The Lincoln Family-Friendly Workplace 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.

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