Phelps County Family Friendly Employer Program

The Holdrege Family-Friendly Workplace Program is designed to recognize, support, and celebrate local employers who invest in strong work–life balance practices. The program mirrors the structure of the Lincoln Family Friendly Workplace initiative, encouraging businesses to adopt policies that support families, promote employee retention, and strengthen the local workforce.

This program aims to:

  • Attract and retain talent in Holdrege
  • Support working parents and caregivers
  • Highlight businesses that champion family-friendly policies
  • Build a stronger, more sustainable business community
  • Build strong relationships with the businesses and childcare providers

Family Friendly

Program Structure

Businesses can apply to become a Certified Holdrege Family-Friendly Workplace by demonstrating that they meet required qualifying criteria.

Those who qualify will receive:

  • A Certificate of Recognition
  • A digital badge/Seal to place on their website & marketing materials
  • A window cling to display at their business
  • Public recognition through HAECP/HACC/PCDC (alphabetical order)
  • Inclusion in a community-wide list of certified employers

The Family-Friendly Qualifying Criteria

(Modeled after Lincoln’s, tailored for Holdrege with added option for small businesses)

Larger Businesses (20 employees or more) must meet 6 of the following 10:

  1. Flexible Work Scheduling Options such as adjusted hours, compressed weeks, remote days, or flexible start/stop times.
  2. Paid Family Leave Maternity, paternity, adoption, and/or caregiver leave beyond federal minimums.
  3. Support for Working Parents Policies that accommodate pregnancy, parenting, or lactation needs (e.g., private nursing rooms).
  4. Health & Wellness Benefits Affordable health insurance, mental health coverage, or wellness incentives.
  5. Childcare Assistance
    1. Childcare stipends,
    2. Sponsorship of HAECP (Holdrege Area Early Childhood Partnership) to assist in connecting employees to childcare
  6. Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) Access to counseling, financial planning, or family support resources.
  7. Career Development Opportunities New skill training, tuition reimbursement, or clear advancement pathways.
  8. Predictable Scheduling Schedules provided in advance to support family coordination.
  9. Community Engagement & Volunteer Support Policies allowing volunteer time in schools, youth programs, or community events.
  10. Inclusive Culture & Anti-Discrimination Policies Family-inclusive practices that respect all family structures.

Small Businesses (20 employees or less) must meet 3 of the following 7:

  1. Any level of scheduling flexibility (e.g., occasional shift adjustments, case-by-case flexibility).
  2. Any paid time off that can be used for family or caregiving (doesn’t have to be a formal policy).
  3. Verbal OR informal accommodations for parenting or lactation needs (a quiet space designated as needed).
  4. Refer employees to HAECP for childcare resources.
  5. Career Development Opportunities New skill training, tuition reimbursement, or clear advancement pathways.
  6. Schedules provided at least 1 week in advance.
  7. Employers participate in or support at least one community event per year.

Application Process

  1. Simple Online Application Businesses check off which criteria they meet and provide supporting info.
  2. Review Committee A small team from the HAECP/Holdrege Chamber/PCDC evaluates applications.
  3. Annual Recognition Event Announce certified workplaces at a chamber community event?
  4. Renewal Every 4 Years Ensures businesses remain aligned with best practices.

Benefits to the Community

  • Increased workforce participation
  • Stronger business reputation locally & regionally
  • Improved employee morale, productivity, and retention
  • Support for families keeps community roots strong
  • Helps small businesses stay competitive with urban employers
  • Creates a strong connection between HAECP/ Holdrege Chamber/PCDC

Proposed Timeline

Phase 1: Development (1–2 months)

Finalize criteria, create application, design window clings.

Phase 2: Launch (Month 3)

Public rollout, press release, Chamber newsletter, PCDC Business journal

Phase 3: First Recognition Round (Month 5)

First group of employers recognized, PCDC end of the year newsletter to name all businesses qualified.

Budget Considerations

  • Branding & seal design ($400 in-kind donation fromGraceful Exposure)
  • Printing certificates ($100 HAECP)
  • Web page or portal setup ($100-$700 depending on how we go about this) Jeff is checking on if this can be done through PCDC website.
  • Marketing materials ($200 HAECP)