Guide for employers: Family-friendly policies

The guidelines for employers –  “Family Policy and Other Good Workplace  Practices” have been published through the joint efforts of the United Nations Women, UNICEF, and the International Labor Organization.

The consequences of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak are unprecedented and felt around the world. The pandemic is heavily affecting labour markets and economies, including global supply chains, leading to widespread business disruptions. With many businesses struggling to survive, loss of jobs and income and rising working poverty are a reality for many workers. Self-employed, domestic and care workers and those in casual or temporary agency employment are at particular risk. The absence of adequate social protection systems exacerbates working families’ vulnerability to the crisis.

For many children and their families, the fast-evolving situation means disrupted education and childcare, family illness and potential loss of household income. Restrictions on free movement and the socio-economic fallout of the crisis put children at heightened risk of abuse, neglect and violence. In the context of school and childcare closures, domestic care responsibilities for working parents, especially women, have increased considerably during the crisis.

This document offers (interim) recommendations for employers to mitigate the negative consequences stemming from COVID-19.

You can get acquainted with the guide in full here.