SLO County Family-Friendly Workplaces is excited to announce the second round of 2024 SLO County Family-Friendly Workplaces Awardees. Now in its third year, these awards celebrate employers who have adopted family-friendly workplace practices and encourage others to create more inclusive environments.
This year, a new higher-level award, the “Red Diamond” award, was introduced to address the ongoing childcare crisis in San Luis Obispo County. This award encourages businesses to expand their family-friendly practices to include employer-sponsored childcare benefits. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation (2022), such investments not only help families but also lead to positive business outcomes like improved employee performance, organizational growth, easier recruitment, higher retention, better community standing and increased brand impact.
So far, nearly a dozen local businesses have earned the Red Diamond award for their focus on employer-sponsored childcare. “These businesses offer onsite or near-site childcare, provide cash assistance or stipends for childcare costs, subsidize dependent care flex spending accounts (DCFSA) and even offer in-office babysitting during emergencies. There are also tax advantages for many of these initiatives,” said Christina Lefevre Latner of the SLO County Family-Friendly Workplaces Program. Employers interested in offsetting childcare costs for their workers can contact Lefevre Latner for ideas, referrals, and mentoring opportunities. “It can be very helpful to discuss implementation and results with another business,” she added.
Here is the second round of 2024 SLO County Family-Friendly Workplaces Awardees by award level:
Bronze Level, “On the Pathway”
Silver Level, “Rising Stars”
Platinum Level, “Trail Blazer”
Diamond Level, “Distinguished Champions”
El Camino Homeless Organization (ECHO)
Blue Diamond Level, “Change Makers”
Community Action Partnership of SLO (CAPSLO)
Precision Construction Services
San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG)
The Community Foundation of SLO County
The Land Conservancy of SLO County
Red Diamond Level, “Care Conquerors”
Central Coast Gymnastics Sports Center
Collaboration Business Consulting
The program is accepting applications for the next round of 2024 awards, which will be announced in October. To apply, complete the 2024 SLO County Family-Friendly Workplaces Assessment, which takes about 15 minutes and is free. Past award winners are invited to renew. Applications will be accepted until December 31, 2024, but businesses are encouraged to apply early to maximize the benefits of the award year. Membership in any chamber is not required and awards are open to businesses of all sizes, types and industries.
For more information, including the assessment, award application, a full list of past awardees and a toolkit, visit slofamilyfriendlywork.org. For questions or a free consultation with Workforce Development Manager Christina Lefevre Latner, email [email protected].