Skip to content
  • BE CERTIFIED
    • Step 1: Self-Assessment
    • Global Standards
    • Why Certify
    • How to Certify
    • Certified Employers
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • BE EDUCATED
    • Case Studies
    • Articles
    • Events
    • Podcast
    • Employer Guide
    • Reports & Research
    • Inclusive Leadership Series
    • 2024 National Working Families Survey
  • About Us
    • Our Team
    • Consultancy Services
    • Family Friendly Workplaces Media
    • Contact Us
  • BE CERTIFIED
    • Step 1: Self-Assessment
    • Global Standards
    • Why Certify
    • How to Certify
    • Certified Employers
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • BE EDUCATED
    • Case Studies
    • Articles
    • Events
    • Podcast
    • Employer Guide
    • Reports & Research
    • Inclusive Leadership Series
    • 2024 National Working Families Survey
  • About Us
    • Our Team
    • Consultancy Services
    • Family Friendly Workplaces Media
    • Contact Us
Self-Assessment
Contact Us

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Family Friendly Workplaces™?

Family Friendly Workplaces™ is a global movement dedicated to embedding family-friendly policies in organisations to create healthier, more inclusive, and productive work environments. The programme provides a structured framework for employers to assess, enhance, and gain certification as a Family Inclusive Workplace™.

Why are family-friendly workplaces important?

Family-friendly workplaces benefit employees, businesses, and society by:

 

  • Boosting productivity and engagement: Employees who feel supported are more motivated and effective.
  • Enhancing an organisation’s ability to attract and retain top talent: A family-friendly reputation makes businesses stand out.
  • Supporting employees in balancing work and family responsibilities, reducing stress and absenteeism.
  • Promoting gender equality: Family-friendly policies reduce barriers for caregivers, ensuring equal opportunities for all.
  • Improving health and wellbeing: Leading to happier and healthier employees and families.
What is Family Inclusive Workplace™ certification?

The Family Inclusive Workplace™ certification is awarded to organisations that meet best-practice Global Work + Family Standards, demonstrating a commitment to family-friendly policies.

How does certification work?

Organisations looking to become a Family Inclusive Workplace™ follow these steps:

 

  1. Self-Assessment – A short online survey (approx. 15 minutes) determines eligibility.
  2. Certification Process – An in-depth online questionnaire of 130 questions (approx. 3 hours).
  3. Evaluation – Assessment by a consultant and review 
  4. Certification – Organisations receive a report with strengths, areas for improvement, and action plan recommendations.
How long does the certification process take?

From application to evaluation to certification, the process takes approximately 8 weeks.

Is the benchmark assessment free?

It is a free online assessment in Australia.

How much does certification cost?

Certification fees start from $2,000 annually.

 

Depending on your size of organisation and if it has meet the minimum criteria, your organisation will have a pathway to certify via our Employer Member Advisory Service.

 

Please contact us or submit an expression of interest to assess your organisation’s readiness for certification.

 

There is NO COST for the free benchmarking assessment to assess your certification readiness. 

How long does certification last?

Certification is valid for 2 years, with a 12-month review required to ensure progress on the action plan. Certification fees are paid annually.

What if my workplace doesn’t meet the minimum requirements?

To be certified, organisations must meet the minimum requirements of the Global Work + Family Standards, which include:

 

  • A flexible working policy framework
  • A paid parental leave policy
  • A carer’s and wellbeing policy or framework
  • Leadership support for policy implementation
  • Employee feedback tools to measure policy success

 

If your workplace doesn’t yet meet these criteria, we work with you to guide improvements and help you get there.

What does the certification questionnaire involve?

The certification questionnaire includes 130 questions and should be completed by someone with access to HR policies and practices. It typically takes 3 hours to complete and includes:

 

  • Providing examples of policies in action
  • Sharing employee stories and testimonials
How does certification benefit my organisation?
  • Enhance employer branding – Attract top talent with a reputation for inclusivity.
  • Reduce turnover and absenteeism – Employees stay longer and perform better.
  • Strengthen social impact – Family-friendly workplaces positively influence communities.
  • Drive diversity and inclusion – Breaking down caregiving barriers leads to a more diverse workforce.
  • Improve employee wellbeing – Creating a workplace culture that supports work-life balance.
How can we showcase our certification?

Once certified, organisations receive:

 

  • A Family Inclusive Workplace™ badge for use in internal and external communications.
  • Brand guidelines to help promote your certification.
  • Marketing assets to celebrate your achievement and inspire other businesses.
Is certification a one-time process?

No. Certification is part of a continuous improvement journey. Certified organisations must:

 

  • Provide progress updates after 12 months to maintain certification.
  • Continue developing family-friendly policies to align with best practices.
How can my organisation apply for certification?

Step 1: Complete the online self-assessment (15 minutes).

Step 2: If eligible, proceed to the full certification process.

Step 3: Work with our team to assess, improve, and certify your policies.

Step 4: Gain recognition as a Family Inclusive Workplace™!

Follow the Family Friendly Workplaces on LinkedIn to get latest news, case studies and events information
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
Contact
  • info@familyfriendlyworkplaces.com.au
Follow Us:
Linkedin X-twitter
Media enquiries

Please contact: 

  • Nicki Ferguson: +61 425 572 774

Family Friendly Workplaces acknowledge and pay respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Read our Voice of Reconciliation Statement here.

© All rights reserved