Lincoln Children’s Zoo one of 13 local organizations to receive new Family-Friendly Workplace Certification

By Mary Kay Roth

Imagine an organization with flexible work scheduling – leave for new parents, including moms and dads, adoptive and foster parents – choices for which holidays an employee can select as non-work days – a lifestyle spending account that can be used for any “wellness” endeavor of the employee’s choice, including stipends for childcare. 

“We’re looking for ways to make sure we take care of our employees, as much as they take care of the organization,” says Sarah Wood, Chief Operating Officer for the Lincoln Children’s Zoo. “It’s a privilege and honor to give back to the people who make it all happen.”

As a result, the Lincoln Children’s Zoo recently was named one of the first 13 Lincoln organizations to receive the brand-new Lincoln Family-Friendly Workplace certification, presented by the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development (LPED) – and Lincoln Littles (local advocates for quality early childcare).

The certification recognizes employers who demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting working families with young children and implement family-friendly workplace practices, according to Anne Brandt, executive director of Lincoln Littles.

The new designation fulfills so many goals, Brandt says. “It recognizes family supports that organizations are providing employees, inspires them to do more and continues the conversation about exploring ways that businesses can support children and families.”

Finally, she notes, these employers help make Lincoln a great place to live, work and play by prioritizing family well-being and early childhood support.

Wood explains that the Children’s Zoo has incredible pride in its growth and success over the past years. “But we had something of an epiphany. We were not doing enough for our employees and their families. We had so much room to grow.” 

Accordingly, she explains, over the past several years the Children’s Zoo has instituted and rolled out sweeping changes and supports that bolster benefits for employees in a holistic way: expanded parental leave, a lactation room for nursing mothers, a lifestyle spending account and increased employer contributions to health insurance. 

The Zoo participates in group health plans and life insurance to qualifying employees, covering 90 percent of employee health insurance, 50 percent of family health coverage and 100 percent of vision and dental for employees and families.

Wood says: “We focus on appreciating, respecting and understanding how our employees feel.”

Lincoln Littles recognizes that many Lincoln organizations are implementing family-friendly programs, Brandt says, “and we have been looking for ways to acknowledge them and engage the business community.” 

When the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce stepped up with an offer to partner with Lincoln Littles – Lincoln Family-Friendly Workplaces certification was born. 

“It was a grassroots effort that just sort of unfolded,” Brandt says. “The application process is simple and takes about 15 minutes once you’ve reviewed your practices to see if you meet the criteria.”

Those obtaining certification receive placement on a public map available for job seekers and families, inclusion on the LPED and Lincoln Littles websites and social media platforms, recognition at LPED and Lincoln Chamber of Commerce events and a certification decal and digital badge for website and other promotional use.

“We are honored to be recognized as a family-friendly workplace,” Wood says. “This certification is a testament to the commitment we’ve made to supporting the people who make our work possible. We’re proud of how far we’ve come as an organization, and this recognition celebrates those improvements and reinforces our commitment to continually finding new ways to support our team and their families.”

Look at how something as simple as flexible work hours can create happier employees, she observes. “Flexible start and end times allow employees to walk children to school, or make it in time to watch their sporting events. These are special moments you don’t get back.”

Yet family-friendly supports can also be part of the landscape of economic development, she says.

“These kinds of benefits help us attract new talent. Providing family-friendly perks makes Lincoln a wonderful place for employers and employees.”

The 13 workplaces that are receiving the first Family-Friendly certifications are: Ameritas, City of Lincoln, Don’t Panic Labs, FNBO, Hudl, Lincoln Children’s Zoo, Lincoln Community Foundation, Lincoln Electric System, Primrose School at Hudl, Primrose School of Lincoln at Wilderness Hills, Schemmer, TMCO and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

To apply, workplaces must complete the free self-assessment application online, which takes about 15 minutes to complete. Applications will be reviewed quarterly by the Lincoln Littles Board of Advisors Engagement Committee.

Complete details on the workplaces certification program can be found at https://www.selectlincoln.org/lincoln-family-friendly-workplace-certification