Despite – or maybe because of – the challenging economic times, entries to the Top Employers for Working Families benchmark and special award has surpassed last year, with entry numbers rising fast.

In last year's benchmark, organisations struggled to support a healthy, productive workforce, even those with excellent policies.

With the fears of job security driving a culture of increased presenteeism, employees who were already stretched by ever-intensifying lives started to buckle under the strain. There are three key themes

Engage all employees, not just single diversity groups

Do it consistently by supporting and developing managers - the frontline of any organisation

Measure the effect of your action and use the feedback to improve

Forward-thinking organisations recognise this. They know that turning the good policies into integrated, embedded practice that promotes life balance and reward performance can break the vicious cycle of presenteeism.

The Top Employers for Working Families benchmark helps to do this. It provides actionable recommendations based on more than 30 years of experience, plus the opportunity for external and internal visibility should an organisation be listed as a Top 10 or Top 30 employer or win a special award. Organisations know they need to change to survive, thrive and compete. The Top Employers for Working Families benchmark provides a unique opportunity to develop key insights that will map out your route to success.

HR magazine is a media partner of Top Employers for Working Families.

Closing date for entries is 10 June.

Find out more at www.Topemployersforworkingfamilies.org.uk