FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RALEIGH, NC — In today’s competitive labor market, 63% of employees say they’d switch jobs for better benefits, and they’re looking for more than just pay. A growing number of North Carolina employers are proving that family-friendly workplace policies are more than a perk. These policies lead to a stronger workforce, healthier children, and more resilient communities. Now, Greensboro shows what’s possible when an entire city embraces that approach.
This month, Greensboro became the first city in North Carolina to earn the designation of a Family Forward NC® Certified Community, a recognition that reflects its wide-scale investment in policies that help working parents and support early childhood development. The achievement, awarded by the North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation (NCECF), demonstrates how local employers and civic leaders can work together to spark long-lasting impact.
At the core of this success is the Family Forward NC® Employer Certification, a statewide initiative that guides employers through five key areas of family-supportive benefits:
- Paid leave and wages
- Flexible work and scheduling
- Health and wellness benefits
- Child care support
- Workplace accommodations
With Greensboro leading the way, the North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation is launching a statewide search for the next Family Forward NC® Certified Community. Cities and towns across North Carolina are invited to take the next step in supporting working families and building a resilient workforce.
Backed by the Guide to Family Forward Workplaces, a comprehensive, evidence-based playbook that employers can download for free to access the tools they need to adopt family-friendly practices and earn certification. When enough local employers are certified, a community becomes eligible for the coveted Family Forward NC® Certified Community designation—bringing recognition, economic benefits, and stronger support systems for children and families.
“The Family Forward NC approach isn’t just good for families—it’s smart business,” said Theresa Roedersheimer, Executive Director of NCECF. “The number of working families has risen dramatically over the last few decades, and family workplace policies have not kept pace. When families thrive, children thrive. They meet their educational outcomes, they are healthy, and will eventually grow to be your future workforce!”
What Greensboro Achieved—and What’s Possible Elsewhere
Through its Future Ready Greensboro campaign—launched in partnership with NCECF — Action Greensboro encouraged local employers to pursue certification and adopt policies that better support working families.
The results speak volumes:
- 82 employers in Greater Greensboro earned Family Forward NC® Certification
- 46,518 local employees now work for certified employers
- An additional 10,605 employees statewide have benefited from improved policies inspired by this work
- In total, 57,123 North Carolinians have been positively impacted by this campaign
The Path Forward
With 128 certified employers statewide—including major institutions like Cone Health, small nonprofits like The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County, and municipalities like Reidsville—the Family Forward NC movement is growing fast. Many certified organizations are women- and minority-owned businesses, helping to lead the way in creating inclusive, supportive workplaces across North Carolina.
With its vibrant economy, diverse employer base, and reputation for innovation, Raleigh is well-positioned to become the next Family Forward NC® Certified Community. Local businesses and civic leaders have the opportunity to make a lasting investment in workforce sustainability and early childhood success.
ABOUT Family Forward NC
Family Forward NC is an innovative initiative that helps business leaders create a workplace that supports families and children’s health and well-being while keeping North Carolina’s businesses thriving. Learn more: visit www.familyforwardnc.com
ABOUT The North Carolina Early Education Foundation (NCECF)
NCECF is leading change in the health and education systems that build a child’s foundation to thrive. Our focus is on ensuring that all children, from birth through third grade, have the support they need. We envision a North Carolina where everyone supports early childhood policies that help each child reach their full potential.
Read our Guide to Family Forward Workplaces: https://familyforwardnc.com/workplace-guide/
To learn more about Family Forward NC® Community Certification, reach us at familyforwardnc@buildthefoundation.org.
ABOUT Action Greensboro Through the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, Action Greensboro serves at the city’s primary economic and community development agency. It acts as a catalyst for public-private partnerships that advance the city and the way it serves our residents. Learn more: https://greensboro.org/actiongreensboro/