(Optional) Examine some key local, national, and global policies, issues, and trends in the workplace and community that affect individuals and families.

Examination should include

  • employer, employee, and community policies
  • employees' satisfaction gained through workplace policies
  • employer’s rights and responsibilities to the employee and to the consumer
  • global policies for different countries compared to local and national standards for the employer and the employee work responsibilities.

Process/Skill Questions:

Thinking

  • How much responsibility does an employer have to help workers balance their work and family roles?
  • What factors may influence the employer’s attitudes toward individual and family support?
  • What factors may influence the worker’s attitudes?
  • How do employer policies affect compensation?
  • What types of workplace policies exist in other countries that are different from those in the United States?

Communication

  • In what ways can an employer indicate to others that the business is "family friendly"?
  • Can a reputation for being family-friendly improve a company’s public reputation? Why or why not?
  • What can a company expect from employees in return for individual and family support?

Leadership

  • What leadership skills are needed to persuade employers to improve workplace policies and attitudes to support individuals and families?
  • What are the benefits of flexible working hours for employees and employers? Of part-time work/job sharing? Of telecommuting? Of cafeteria-style fringe benefits?
  • What kinds of workplace support strategies can you predict for the future?

Management

  • What management skills can be used in organizing efforts to improve workplace policies and attitudes in support of individuals and families?
  • What barriers do you face in organizing efforts to improve workplace policies and attitudes in support of individuals and families?
  • What resources can help you overcome these barriers?
  • What actions can be taken if you want to influence workplace policies and attitudes in support of individuals and families?