#United States #New York #Working Parents #Family Policies #IFFD Award

Connecting Business and Family Well-Being

The recent recognition of The Best Place for Working Parents® at the United Nations Headquarters marks a significant milestone for both childcare initiatives and workplace policies across the U.S. This national network, dedicated to advancing family-friendly practices, received an International Federation for Family Development (IFFD) Award during the 64th session of the Commission for Social Development.

An Award for Committed Change

On February 4, 2026, the IFFD honored The Best Place for Working Parents for its innovative strategies that not only support working parents but also benefit businesses. This recognition is pivotal as it emphasizes the vital role employers play in shaping a family-friendly workforce, thus leading to enhanced productivity and economic growth.

Insights from the Founders

Sara Redington and Sadie Funk, co-founders of the network, articulated the importance of a supportive work culture for working parents. "Being recognized on a global stage at the United Nations is a tremendous honor and a powerful message to the private sector," noted Funk. The award resonates with their belief that family-friendly workplace cultures facilitate employee retention and morale, which ultimately contributes to business success.

During the event, Redington elaborated on these views, suggesting that when firms integrate family-oriented strategies into their operational frameworks, they not only assist employees in their dual roles of worker and caregiver but also fortify the labor market's foundation.

A Collaborative Approach

The UN event highlighted the necessity for coordinated efforts among governments, businesses, and civil society, particularly in building robust family-friendly care systems. It aimed at fostering a dialogue that underlines the private sector’s participation in nurturing family welfare, particularly at critical developmental stages for children, when parents are also navigating their caregiving responsibilities.

Expert Voices on Family-Focused Policies

During the ceremony, a panel discussion featured key experts, including José Alejandro Vázquez from IFFD and Dianne Whitehead of Child Education International, who shed light on the return on investment associated with implementing family-friendly policies. They echoed the sentiment that such initiatives are not merely 'nice to have,' but are essential components of sustainable business practices.

Ensuring Future Workplaces are Family-Friendly

As we move forward, the insights from this recognition push for greater public-private partnerships. The Best Place for Working Parents® serves as proof that supporting employees leads to healthier organizations. The path to becoming a business recognized for its family-friendly practices includes undertaking a unique online self-assessment, which helps companies identify and implement effective strategies.

Closing Thoughts

The Best Place for Working Parents® continues to pioneer efforts that demonstrate family support in workplaces is a forward-thinking approach. Their recognition at the UN not only amplifies the voices of working families but also calls for an evolving focus on how businesses can enhance their operations while taking care of their employees. The award from the International Federation for Family Development sheds light on a brighter future where working parents can thrive, creating meaningful impacts in their workplaces and beyond.