To enter, organisations must complete a unique and robust benchmark survey which examines in detail their work-life balance policies and practices.
Now in its 4th year, the increasing profile of Top Employers for Working Families reflects the growing acceptance among employers of the vital role which flexible and work-life policies and practices play in developing organisational effectiveness and business success.
The Top Employers for Working Families Benchmark – The Top 10 and Top 30
The final official lists of Top Employers for Working Families are compiled by taking the entrants with the highest scores in the benchmark survey. Organisations from the private, public and voluntary sector made the top 30 list last year: 2011 Top 30 employers. We will also be announcing a Top 5 Small Family Friendly Businesses.
The Special Awards
Benchmark entrants can opt to enter Special Awards which are judged anonymously by the judging panel. Summaries of the special award-winners from 2011 are available to read here 2011 Special Award Winners. In 2012 the Special Award categories are:
• Best for Mothers
• Best for Fathers
• Best for Carers
• Best for Childcare and Eldercare
• Best for Engagement
• Best for Career Progression for Flexible Workers
• Best for Innovation
Sarah Jackson (pictured), chief executive of Working Families, said: “Top Employers for Working Families is now firmly established as the annual benchmark and awards for flexible working and work-life policies. The growing number of entrants each year shows that forward-thinking employers recognise the value of offering flexibility and work-life balance to all employees in developing an engaged, loyal and productive workforce.”
Julian Foster, MD of Computershare Voucher Services (CVS), added: “We’re delighted to continue to support the Top Employers for Working Families Benchmark and Awards and their recognition of companies who put so much emphasis on the needs and wellbeing of their employees. With research recently published showing that childcare costs have risen again in the last year, anything that employers can do to support their working employees in returning to work and caring for their families should be applauded and mirrored by others.”
The benchmark and awards are open until 30th May 2012. A shortlist of the Special Awards will be announced in June 2012.
The Top 10 and Top 30 and Special Award winners of Top Employers for Working Families will be announced at a ceremony during National Work-Life Week. (24th – 28th September 2012)
Click here for more information
Comments from 2011 entrants
“At Centrica we want to attract, recruit, develop and retain the very best people and Working Families helps us to do this. They have helped us to demonstrate the work we have done to become employer of choice through the Top Employers for Working Families benchmark as well as sharing useful insight and practical evidence based recommendations and solutions so that we can raise the bar even higher!” Centrica
“Entering the benchmarking gave us an opportunity to look at the metrics we have in place to ensure we are monitoring the use of the provisions we make in our family friendly policies and best practice.” National Grid
“So easy and logical, just answering the questionnaire makes me think about my strategy” a major international bank
