The government has backed a new digital resource to assist UK employers in supporting working parents, targeting the 2.5 million parents of children under five who face workplace challenges. The platform, called Business Backs Families, launched today under the charity ReGenerate, with support from the Department for Education. It delivers practical guidance for companies, especially smaller employers, to enhance work-life balance for staff raising young children.
According to the initiative’s organizers, six in ten working parents would quit their jobs if better parental benefits were available. A study by ReGenerate revealed that supportive workplace policies increase job satisfaction for 94% of surveyed employees and raise engagement levels for 72%. These findings demonstrate a clear connection between family-friendly measures and higher morale in the workplace.
Two key proposals have been introduced to help employers. The first is a phased return program, where employees returning from parental leave work 80% of their usual hours while receiving 90% of their salary until their child turns two. The second is a banked family hours system, letting parents use a set number of hours each month for childcare-related tasks such as doctor appointments or school events. Both approaches are intended to ease parental responsibilities while keeping productivity levels stable.
Up to 2,000 businesses are expected to join the initiative, with early focus on the North West region, including Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region. Regional workshops will promote shared learning among participating employers. Major business organizations, including the CIPD, the British Chambers of Commerce, and the Federation of Small Businesses, have pledged their support.
Ed Boyd, CEO of ReGenerate, stated that early childhood development shapes a child’s future outcomes, and employers have a greater influence than commonly acknowledged. He argued that family-friendly policies help companies retain skilled workers, boost efficiency, and create a more dedicated workforce. The hub’s mission is to simplify the adoption of these policies, proving that they can meet both family needs and business goals.
Early data from Octopus Electric Vehicles indicate that a six-week family wellbeing program raised employees’ intent to remain with the company by 17%. One-fifth of participants also reported stronger perceptions of workplace support for family life. Fiona Howarth, founder of Octopus Electric Vehicles, framed parental support as a necessity for keeping skilled employees rather than an optional benefit.
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Jo Faragher has been an employment and business journalist for 20 years. She regularly contributes to Personnel Today and writes features for a number of national business and membership magazines. Jo is also the author of ‘Good Work, Great Technology’, published in 2022 by Clink Street Publishing, charting the relationship between effective workplace technology and productive and happy employees. She won the Willis Towers Watson HR journalist of the year award in 2015 and has been highly commended twice.
