Equal at Home – Equal at Work
How to effectively support mothers and fathers in balancing family and work life?
SAVE THE DATE
21st May 2025 – Warsaw, Poland
NB: COFACE members will meet for statutory meetings (Administrative Council and General Assembly) on 20th May in Warsaw
Balancing work and family responsibilities is a growing challenge across Europe. According to a 2018 Eurobarometer survey, even before COVID-19, a quarter of Europeans reported difficulties in taking family leave, with over 27% feeling discouraged from doing so by their supervisors. Additionally, one in three Europeans lacks access to flexible work arrangements, emphasizing the need for systemic support. Families require robust support structures to manage work-life balance effectively. This can be achieved through well-defined public social protection policies—such as job security, health benefits, and inclusion initiatives—as well as supportive workplace policies, including zero tolerance for discrimination, flexible work options, and equal access to family leave for both men and women. Addressing these needs from both angles is essential to creating a caring economy that benefits families, businesses, and society as a whole.
Why this matters
COFACE advocates for inclusive, family-supportive workplace cultures built on equal opportunities, non-discrimination, and a recognition of family diversity. Today’s families are diverse—single parents, same-sex couples with children, blended families, large and multigenerational households, families with disabilities, and more. Transforming organizational culture to support all workers, regardless of family structure, benefits the entire organization. Such cultural shifts contribute to a more attractive and inclusive workplace, helping businesses retain diverse talent and motivating employees.
Context and Policy background
The meeting will draw upon key European policies and legislation, including the EU Work-Life Balance Directive, the European Care Strategy, European Strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities, the EU Gender Equality Strategy, and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive. These frameworks offer significant potential to foster family-friendly workplaces across Europe.
Meeting objectives
- Highlight Key Research: Present studies on current workplace challenges and opportunities for support.
- Engage Employers and Policymakers: Facilitate discussions between employers, employer organizations, policymakers, and NGOs to address challenges and explore effective solutions.
- Workshop Practical Solutions: Conduct hands-on sessions to identify actionable steps for fostering a family-supportive workplace culture.
Key topics to be addressed during the meeting
- Engaging Men in Parental Equality: Breaking Down Barriers and Building Support
- Centering Families in Social Policy Amid Declining Fertility Rates
- Navigating the CSRD and European Sustainability Reporting Standards
- Attracting Mothers Back to the Workforce: Policies and Perceptions that Drive Success
- Crafting Inclusive Family Campaigns: Engaging Diverse Audiences in the Workplace and Public Sphere
- Family-Friendly Policies and Fertility: Exploring Data Gaps and Potential Impact
