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A Conversation with Samantha Cole, North Carolina’s First Child Care Business Liaison

Child care access is a top concern for North Carolina employers looking to attract and retain a talented workforce. To help bridge this gap is Samantha Cole, the new Child Care Business Liaison at the NC Department of Commerce.  She brings a wealth of experience in economic development, communications, and community relationship building. Samantha, a parent herself, understands firsthand the challenges families face in finding reliable, affordable child care. Since joining the Commerce team in April 2023, she has been connecting business leaders with solutions that make sense…

HR Leaders: Four Tips for a Successful Open Enrollment Season

We know that Open Enrollment season can overwhelm employers and employees. That’s why we gathered insights from North Carolina-based benefits and HR experts who share their recommendations for a smoother, more effective enrollment process.Remember, the goal isn’t just to get through Open Enrollment — it’s to help employees make the best choices for their health and finances while maximizing the value of your company’s benefits.1. Be transparent about changesShawn Straub, president and founder of ALT HR Partners, emphasizes the importance of clear communication abou…

Tips to Support Breastfeeding Employees in Your Workplace

The federal Providing Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP) for Nursing Mothers Act has been in effect since December 2022. It’s important for employers to not only comply with the law, but to also create an inclusive workplace culture where breastfeeding is valued. When leadership and managers exhibit positive, accepting attitudes, the workforce recognizes they need to do so as well.Here are some tips and information for creating a breastfeeding-friendly workplace:Know what is required by law. Understand the rights of lactating employees and get answers to f…

Family Forward NC is Expanding

Learn More about Community Level Certification Information Sessions on August 13 and August 15 Join the movement to create thriving, family-friendly workplaces! The North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation (NCECF) invites you to lead a Family Forward NC® Community Certification campaign. Family Forward NC® Community Certification is an opportunity for coalitions, workgroups, partnerships, and alliances that are interested in boosting local economic sustainability by creating a family-friendly business base. A community can be an individual municipal…

How Can a Small Business Offer Paid Parental Leave?

Research shows the many benefits of offering parental leave include improved recruitment, retention, and employee engagement. But these benefits may feel few and far between for the team members left to maintain the workload while a fellow employee is out on parental leave. Particularly at small organizations, each role is a critical one and any employee’s departure (even temporary) can be a big transition for the rest of the team.Concerns most often raised by small business owners about offering paid parental leave are the cost to the business, questions of equity for other employees, a…

A Lack of Child Care is Stifling NC’s Economy

NC employers continue to make their voices heard about how child care availability and affordability for their employees is critical to the success of their businesses and organizations. They also recognize that quality child care supports the healthy development of our youngest children, our future workforce. The U.S. Chamber Foundation, in partnership with the NC Chamber Foundation and NC Child, just released a report based on a March 2024 survey of more than 500 NC households with children under six years old. The survey sampled a population that is representative of our state…

By the Numbers: NC’s Family Forward NC® Certified Employers have doubled already in 2024

The word is out: workplace benefits that support the health and well-being of parents, caregivers, and young children are also great for employers. Since January 2024, the number of Family Forward NC Certified Employers has doubled, highlighting the growth and value that both employers and employees place on family-friendly benefits. Certified employers have met an impressive set of standards outlined by NCECF’s Family Forward NC initiative. These employers implement a range of policies and practices that support the health and well-being of North Carolina’s children and fa…

Three Ways Employers Can Support Workers’ Mental Health 

Honoring National Mental Health Awareness Month & Maternal Mental Health MonthAlmost everyone experiences mental health challenges at some point in their lives. Responsive communities and workplaces can allow people to cope, and even thrive, through adversity. Employers can play a key role in preventing mental health crises, and promoting a culture of awareness and support among their employees.May is National Mental Health Awareness Month and Maternal Mental Health Month. This is the perfect time for employers to revisit their benefits policies and practices to ensure that t…

Industry Leaders Claim Family Forward ‘Firsts’ and Open the Door for More to Follow

Innovators and industry leaders know that being “the first” at something takes a certain level of risk. Whether motivated by passion or prudence, we’re seeing businesses step up and try something new, leading their local industries by becoming the first Family Forward NC Certified employers in their industries. The fact is, good for families is good for business, and these local leaders know that by creating a family-friendly workplace, they’re supporting both their company and their community. In the past month, six employers have been certified as the first in the…

Chocolates, or Quality and Affordable Child Care? A Mother’s Day Request

By Lisa FinaldiEven if you’re not a parent of young children, you are probably aware of the child care crisis across the country. Congress has not renewed billions in federal child care funding, and as a result, care providers across North Carolina and the US are cutting back or shutting down – making it even harder for parents to find affordable care for their young children. You may know someone who has quit their job or put their career or education on hold because they couldn’t find affordable child care.  These stories are commonplace today. In North Carolina, only 3.4% of famil…

Employee Loyalty May Lie in Family Friendly Policies

Regardless of the industry, attracting and retaining a strong workforce is key to growing a thriving business. When businesses consider their company culture, policies, and benefits, they should prioritize building a family-friendly workplace. 73% of employees in North Carolina would be more committed to their employer if they offered more family-friendly practices.86% of US millennials, which now make up the greatest percentage of the workforce, say they are less likely to leave an employer that offers paid parental leave.94% of NC employees say that family-friendly polic…

New Way to Support Employees with Young Children

A new way to support employees with young families that has taken root in Guilford County is now available in Randolph, Mecklenburg, and Forsyth counties.  Your community could be part of The Basics initiative too. The Basics Guilford, an initiative of Ready for School, Ready for Life offers free text messages or tips emails that deliver brain-building, practical caregiving tips right to parents. The Basics Guilford staff also offer free parent-focused wellness training (virtual or in-person) and are available to attend employee wellness fairs.The Basics is based on rese…