Book Description

Hearings on family-friendly workplaces for fathers were held in an effort to help create a corporate culture that allows fathers to take advantage of and support different workplace policies. Fathers' impact on children's development, and the reasons why it is important for fathers to be part of the parenting process, are examined. Representative Patricia Schroeder, who presided, cited America West Airlines, Merck, and DuPont as examples of family-friendly corporations. A fact sheet included for the record summarizes relevant national data, including data on fathers' attitudes toward balancing work and family, fathers' involvement in children's well-being, and employer responses to family responsibilities. Family-oriented work policies prepared by the Bureau of National Affairs are also presented in fact-sheet style. The policies cover options in the areas of the time and place of work, counseling programs, child care, leave, information and seminars, telephone access, and financial support. Prepared statements and testimony from witnesses representing such organizations as the City of Los Angeles, the Families and Work Institute, the Family Research Council, the University of Michigan, CBS (Columbia Broadcasting System, Inc.), the Association of Part-Time Professionals, and the Society for Human Resource Management are included, as are prepared statements of representatives from Michigan, Wisconsin, and Virginia. (LB)