Circulating a needs assessment survey amongst your staff is a good way to determine what family friendly policies are needed. Photo: Tara Moore.

Small organisations often promote a culture of openness. Take advantage of this environment by holding structured discussions about what family friendly policies are needed.

Try holding a meeting during work hours where you or a delegate leads a discussion about family friendly work practices and policies. Perhaps you could band together with one or two other similar organisations and consider inviting a union representative to help you understand your rights and obligations? Be sure to take notes at any discussions you hold. Plan to hold several meetings. Cultural change takes time.

Another good way to assess staff needs is to distribute a needs assessment survey. Download the Better Work and Family Balance Questionnaire (PDF) 54.82 kB   for a great example of a needs assessment survey you can use in your organisation.

What policies can help? Using a 'needs assessment survey'

A women’s health service wanted to draft a stand-alone family friendly policy. Their office manager went through their existing operations manual noting all the provisions that would help women balance work and family. She distributed a survey to all staff about whether they were aware of the existing provisions, what their needs were, and what else could improve their work family balance.

Using analysis of the results, she made recommendations to her board to increase paid maternity leave and set guidelines around giving leave without pay. She also drafted a guide to support managers in their decision-making when balancing organisational and individual needs. Modifying an existing needs assessment survey, as well as having a supportive staff, management and board, were a great help to this process.

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