This story appears in the October 2025 issue of Utah Business. Subscribe.
Utah continues to rank among the nation’s most desirable places to live and work. This distinction is a testament to our state’s thriving economy, dynamic startup culture and deep-rooted commitment to family. As talent and businesses continue to flourish in the Beehive State, it’s important to focus on our most valuable asset: our people. Cultivating a workplace that supports employees and their families isn’t just an “employee perk;” it’s a strategic imperative for lasting success.
To remain the best place for working parents, Utah’s business practices must reflect the values families care about most. Today’s workforce, especially parents, is looking for more than just a paycheck. Flexibility, support and a healthy work-life balance are increasingly top priorities for individuals. In fact, a study by FlexJobs revealed that 63 percent of workers would choose a better work-life balance over a raise. Offering policies that support families helps businesses stand out to talented candidates who want to enjoy Utah’s high quality of life both on and off the job.
Family-friendly policies can be as unique as your company culture. Here are a few examples:
- Flexible work arrangements:
- Flex-time: Offering flexible start and end times can help employees better manage family responsibilities such as school drop-offs, medical appointments or caregiving.
- Telecommuting: The rise of remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that many roles can be done effectively outside the traditional office. As a result, hybrid or remote options have become a common feature in family-friendly workplaces.
- Leave and time off:
- Paid time off: PTO policies support employees at every stage of life. Time off can be used not only for vacations, but also for important family needs such as parent-teacher conferences, caregiving or personal health — without any penalties.
- Parental leave: Offering paid parental leave that is inclusive to all parents, including adoptive and non-birthing parents, aligns with values that many people seek in our family-focused state.
- Direct support and resources:
- Nursing support: Creating dedicated, private spaces for nursing mothers is a simple yet meaningful way to make the workplace more supportive of new parents.
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Offer programs that provide confidential counseling and resources for employees dealing with personal or family challenges, helping them stay supported both at work and at home.
Family-friendly policies are an investment in the future of our workforce and our state. They honor Utah’s core values of family and community, while building a more resilient, productive and profitable business. When employees are supported in showing up for the moments that matter most at home, they are better able to bring their full focus and energy to their work.
