Indiana Governor Mike Braun announced the launch of the Family First Workplace initiative on Dec. 2, a new family-focused program that allows eligible state employees to bring infants up to six months old to work.
The Family First Workplace program will start as a pilot in the Governor’s Office, the Indiana Department of Health and the State Personnel Department.
“Indiana is going to lead the nation in pro-family policy,” Braun said in a press release. “The parental bonding that happens in the first months of a child’s life are irreplaceable, and our new Family First Workplace pilot program helps parents stay connected to their newborns while continuing their careers. Indiana is building a culture that puts families first.”
This program furthers Braun’s parental leave policy for state employees, which expanded paid parental leave for new parents, provided paid childbirth leave for women recovering after delivery and paid leave for those grieving the loss of a baby.
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Braun said the program reflects Indiana’s commitment to strengthen families, support working parents and promote early childhood development.
The infants-at-work pilot takes effect immediately. If successful, state officials said it could be expanded to additional agencies. The pilot also establishes “clear safeguards to ensure safety, productivity and operational continuity” in the workplace, according to a press release.
This initiative is part of Braun’s broader “Family First Indiana” agenda. The administration has taken steps this year to reinforce paid parental leave for state employees and uphold the state’s existing pro-life laws.
