Work and family policies are family-related employment policies, including:
- Hiring and scheduling practices
- Employment benefits
- Dependent care assistance
- Other terms of employment related to family
Find information and resources for employers considering, selecting, or implementing work and family policies.
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Learn what kind of policies are required by law based on the characteristics of your business.
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a law that affords individuals up to 12 weeks of leave. Employers who fall under the FMLA must provide leave to eligible and qualifying employees.
Family and Medical Leave Act Employer Guide | U.S. Department of Labor (dol.gov)
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (eeoc.gov)
The Americans with Disabilities Act is relevant to parents who suffer a disability, temporary or permanent, resulting from pregnancy or birth of a child.
The Providing Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP) Act
FLSA Protections to Pump at Work | U.S. Department of Labor (dol.gov)
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (eeoc.gov)
The Americans with Disabilities Act is relevant to parents who suffer a disability, temporary or permanent, resulting from pregnancy or birth of a child.
The Providing Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP) Act
FLSA Protections to Pump at Work | U.S. Department of Labor (dol.gov)
There are currently no state or federal laws in place requiring granting family leave, paid or unpaid.
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a law that affords individuals up to 12 weeks of leave. Employers who fall under the FMLA must provide leave to eligible and qualifying employees.
Family and Medical Leave Act Employer Guide | U.S. Department of Labor (dol.gov)
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (eeoc.gov)
The Americans with Disabilities Act is relevant to parents who suffer a disability, temporary or permanent, resulting from pregnancy or birth of a child.
The Providing Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP) Act
FLSA Protections to Pump at Work | U.S. Department of Labor (dol.gov)
Government Code Chapter 661. Leave
GOVERNMENT CODE CHAPTER 661. LEAVE (texas.gov)
- Family Leave Pool (Subchapter A-1, beginning at Section 661.021)
- Paid Parental Leave for Certain Employees (Sec. 661.9125)
Benefits
Implementing additional policies beyond those required by law is not mandatory. However, businesses may greatly benefit from these types of policies. Learn about the economic benefits realized by employers who implement work and family policies, including:
- Decreased absenteeism and turnover rates
- Increased productivity
- Access to federal and state tax incentives
Find resources that demonstrate these benefits:
Internal Revenue Service – Section 45S Employer Credit for Paid Family and Medical Leave FAQs
UNICEF – Business and Family-Friendly Policies: An Evidence Brief
Tax Credit for Employer-Provided Child Care Facilities and Services
U.S. Department of Labor: Paid Leave
The American Psychology Association: The Urgent Necessity for Paid Parental Leave
Disclaimer
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) does not and may not provide legal advice. The work and family policy resources published and linked here are intended to illustrate the kinds of policies and best practices recommended for and in use at many companies in Texas but are not official TWC policies or forms and should not be used without consultation with a licensed employment law attorney of your company’s choice.