Panel members heard a progress report from the family-friendly workplaces work group, which described a proposed employer designation to recognize businesses that provide family-friendly practices and supports.

Bethany Samuel, representing the Kansas Department for Children and Families, said the group researched existing state and international models, conducted peer-to-peer calls with other states and assembled a draft framework. "We found many other states...and even looked at Australia as well that had robust designations," Samuel said. The work group proposes a neutral, nonstate organization to house the designation, plus an advisory board to set criteria.

Key elements under discussion include a structured application; tiered recognition levels so employers of different sizes and sectors can participate; inclusion of employee experience through surveys rather than employer self-report alone; technical assistance for employers; and a renewal cycle for certifications. Samuel said many jurisdictions charge fees for designation and that a fee can increase employer buy-in; the group recommends a graduated fee structure with waivers or reduced fees for employers with 10 or fewer employees.

The proposed policy domains for scoring are paid leave, health support, work schedules and economic supports. The survey data would inform certification scores and a plan for employers to advance across tiers. The group identified next steps: seek a nonprofit or other neutral home for the designation, form an advisory board with expertise in human resources and early childhood, finalize survey instruments and scoring rubrics, and refine the fee structure.

Panelists responded with questions and suggestions. Amy Gotchamer of Google’s Learning Child Development Center suggested that a nonprofit home could potentially accept donations and offer small grants to employers for start-up costs to implement specific benefits, such as lactation rooms or modest facility changes. "If employers invested in the process, then they were more likely to take it seriously," Samuel said when describing the fee rationale.

No formal vote was taken. The work group will continue refining the framework and exploring potential home organizations and advisory-board membership.