The impact of firm-level work and family initiatives on organizational outcomes, employees and their families
An umbrella review
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 12596808 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Michelle Jack (0000-0002-5582-1098, Bond University, corresponding author), M Baird (0000-0002-7104-1788, The University of Sydney Business School), Elizabeth Hill (0009-0000-5152-5956, The University of Sydney Business School) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Pages | 1-60 |
| Publication date | 2025-10-06 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Community Work & Family (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1366-8803 • E-ISSN: 1469-3615 |
| Publisher | Taylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/13668803.2025.2563055 |
| OpenAlex | W4414859680 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 60 |
Firm-level family friendly workplace (FFW) policies, including flexible work arrangements (FWA), parental and carer’s leaves, lactation and child-care support, have existed for more than five decades. Despite numerous publications, questions remain about their impact on firm success, and the health and well-being of employees and their families. Following PRISMA systematic review guidelines, we present an umbrella review of 26 reviews published between 2010 and 2022. The review focuses on outcomes of policies introduced by firms. The strongest evidence of positive impacts of firm-based FFW initiatives was found for work-based lactation supports, with evidence of benefits for employers, employees, and employee families. Other FFW policies demonstrated small to moderate benefits, including increased talent attraction and retention, job satisfaction, productivity, performance, employee health and wellbeing, and reduced absenteeism. Best outcomes were reported where ‘bundles’ of FFW initiatives are provided that directly respond to employee needs allow employee choice. Gaps and limitations in firm-level FFW research are identified with recommendations for future research and actions for practitioners and employers. A paradigm shift in future FFW research should include a broader suite of methodological tools, analysis of employees including those from diverse family types, different sectors and occupations, and examine policy availability versus utilization
Employee benefits · Health benefits · Suite · Systematic review · Work (physics · Work environment · Employment and Welfare Studies · Retirement, Disability, and Employment · Work-Family Balance Challenges
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| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |