Indianapolis, December 3, 2025
Governor Mike Braun of Indiana has introduced the ‘Family First Workplace’ pilot program, allowing eligible state employees to bring their infants to work for the first six months. This initiative aims to support working parents and promote early bonding. Initially starting at the Governor’s Office and other departments, the program may expand based on its success. With previous efforts to enhance parental support, Indiana continues to prioritize family-friendly workplace policies, showcasing its commitment to nurturing a balanced work-life environment.
Indianapolis, Indiana – Governor Mike Braun has announced an innovative step toward supporting working parents through the launch of the “Family First Workplace” pilot program. This initiative allows eligible state employees in Indiana to bring their infants to work during the first six months of life. Designed to facilitate early bonding and address childcare challenges, this forward-thinking program reflects a broader movement among employers to incentivize family-friendly workplace practices.
The pilot program will commence within the Governor’s Office, the Indiana Department of Health, and the State Personnel Department. Governor Braun has highlighted the state’s commitment to supporting families in the workforce while fostering early childhood development. By enabling parents to have their infants close during the crucial early months, the state is positioning itself as a leader in pro-family workplace initiatives.
This undertaking builds on previous efforts by Governor Braun to enhance parental support for state employees. Earlier this year, he signed an executive order that expanded paid parental leave, granting six weeks of paid childbirth recovery leave for women who give birth and up to eight weeks for those delivering via C-section. Additionally, the new leave policy offers paid leave for employees who experience a loss during pregnancy. These policies underscore Indiana’s dedication to creating a supportive work environment for families.
The Structure of the Pilot Program
The “Family First Workplace” pilot program is designed to be straightforward yet impactful. Eligible state employees can bring their infants, up to six months old, to work, thus allowing for valuable time spent with their children during the early development stages. The initial rollout aims to assess the program’s effectiveness within the designated state offices, with the potential for future expansion to more agencies based on its success.
Community and Entrepreneurial Impact
This initiative resonates with a growing trend among employers across the United States. Many businesses have recognized the significant benefits of supporting working parents. For instance, Borshoff, an Indianapolis-based advertising and public relations firm, has successfully operated a “Bring Your Baby to Work” program since 2000, permitting parents to bring their infants to work until they reach six months of age. Such programs not only assist in nurturing relationships between parents and children but also contribute positively to employee satisfaction, retention, and productivity.
Comparative Analysis of Support Systems
While the “Family First Workplace” program is notably progressive, it is part of a larger framework of family-centric policies gaining traction in various sectors. The growing acceptance among businesses allows for a more adaptable work environment that can respond to the realities faced by working parents. This flexible approach is particularly vital in an economy increasingly shaped by the demands of professional roles and family responsibilities.
Future Prospects and Broader Initiatives
If successful, the state is poised to consider expanding the “Family First Workplace” initiative to additional agencies, reflecting a long-term commitment to advancing family-friendly policies. These efforts align with broader narratives around workforce retention and the economic benefits of supporting parents in the workplace. By investing in these programs, Indiana demonstrates a proactive approach to fostering a healthy work-life balance for state employees.
Conclusion
The introduction of the “Family First Workplace” pilot program is a significant step towards nurturing a workforce that values family and personal well-being. As Indiana continues to innovate with family-friendly policies, it sets a precedent for encouraging similar initiatives across various sectors. The ongoing support for local businesses and their efforts to adapt to the needs of working families will only enhance the economic landscape in Indianapolis. Readers are encouraged to support initiatives that bolster local entrepreneurship and promote community well-being.
FAQ
- What is the “Family First Workplace” pilot program?
- The “Family First Workplace” pilot program allows eligible state employees in Indiana to bring their infants to work during the first six months of life, aiming to support working parents and promote early childhood development.
- Which state agencies are participating in the pilot program?
- The pilot program will begin in the Governor’s Office, the Indiana Department of Health, and the State Personnel Department.
- What previous initiatives has Governor Braun implemented to support working parents?
- Earlier this year, Governor Braun signed an executive order expanding paid parental leave for state employees, providing six weeks of paid childbirth recovery leave for women who give birth and up to eight weeks for those who deliver via C-section. The new leave policy also includes paid leave for those who lose a baby in utero at 20 weeks or beyond.
- How does this program compare to other employer initiatives?
- Similar to Indiana’s initiative, Borshoff, an Indianapolis-based advertising and public relations firm, has offered a “Bring Your Baby to Work” program since 2000, allowing parents to bring their infants to work until they turn six months old.
- What are the potential future plans for this program?
- If successful, the state plans to consider expanding the “Family First Workplace” initiative to additional agencies.
| Key Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Family First Workplace Pilot Program |
| Eligible Participants | State employees in Indiana |
| Infant Age Limit | Up to six months old |
| Participating Agencies | Governor’s Office, Indiana Department of Health, State Personnel Department |
| Program Start Date | Immediate |
| Potential Expansion | Consideration for additional agencies if successful |
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Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
