Get Certified

Certification Eligibility and Process

Together We Thrive: A Family-Friendly Future for All

The Family Forward NC® Employer Certification is a special recognition for employers that prioritize the well-being of working families and their children.

Here’s what it takes to be a certified Family Forward NC® Employer:

  • A team of at least two: We’re looking for organizations with a minimum of two employees working in North Carolina, who work at least 30 hours per week.
  • A heart for families: We’ll review your policies and practices to see how you support working families. Tell us about your paid leaves, flexible schedules, child care assistance, health benefits, pregnancy and breastfeeding accommodations, or anything else your employees enjoy! To learn about family-supporting policies, visit our Workplace Guide.
  • Benefits for all: We want all your employees working at least 30 hours per week (non-seasonal employees) to be eligible for your awesome benefits. Paid sick leave, either as a stand alone policy or within a Paid Time Off policy, is required for these employees. Learn more about what qualifies as a seasonal employee.
  • Clear and accessible policies: Employees should have easy access to your written policies.

What’s in it for you?

As a certified Family Forward NC® Employer, you’ll receive:

  • A badge of honor:

    You’ll get to use the Family Forward NC® Certified Employer certification badge on your website, job page, marketing materials, office window, and social media. It’s a great way to show everyone you’re a family-friendly employer.

  • Exclusive resources:

    You’ll have access to special tools and programs designed to help you become even more supportive of working families

  • Recognition and celebration:

    You’ll be recognized as a leader in creating a supportive workplace culture. We celebrate certified employers in our newsletters, presentations, programs and social media.

Ready to take the next step? It's easy!

  • 1

    Apply online:

    Fill out our simple eligibility check. If you qualify, you’ll submit a $50 non-refundable application fee and be invited to complete the certification application, which collects detailed information on your organization's family-friendly policies and benefits.

  • 2

    Application review and surveying employees:

    After you submit the certification application and share your Employee Handbook with us, we will review your application and verify your family-friendly policies. Then, through our anonymous online survey, you'll collect feedback from your employees. The survey is a tool to help inform your organization's leadership of employee satisfaction with your workplace benefits, policies, and culture. Employee survey results will not disqualify you from Certification.

  • 3

    Welcome aboard!

    Once we’ve confirmed that your organization offers several family-friendly benefits, you’ll become a Family Forward NC® Certified Employer. You'll submit a fee to certify, receive a marketing toolkit and a Certified Employer badge, and your certification will be valid for two years.

Have more questions? Click here for our FAQ.

We’re excited to partner with you on this journey to create a brighter future for working families in North Carolina!

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