70% of working moms report they would have stayed at a workplace if given more flexibility.
United Way of Greater Chattanooga’s United for Working Families initiative advances family-friendly policies and practices by partnering with businesses to create a future where every child thrives, and working families can achieve upward mobility. This effort supports parents at work, keeps children in school, and helps businesses build a stronger, more productive workforce.
United for Working Families Worldwide Feature
We are proud to be featured by United Way Worldwide for their Together We Thrive series, spotlighting this movement.
What Makes a Workplace Family-Friendly?
Check out our 2025 Engagement Resource Guide to learn more about the five pillars of a family-friendly workplace.
Wellness
Wellness benefits in the workplace refer to a range of programs, initiatives, and policies that are designed to promote and support the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of employees. These benefits are typically provided by employers as a part of their broader employee benefits package and are aimed at creating a healthier and more productive workforce.
Flexibility
Flexibility benefits in the workplace refer to a range of programs, policies, and practices that allow employees to have greater control and choice over their work arrangements, schedules, and responsibilities. Flexibility benefits contribute to a healthier work-life balance and can improve job satisfaction, employee engagement, and overall well-being.
Economic Stability
Economic stability in the workplace refers to a range of programs, policies, and initiatives that employers implement to help promote financial well-being and stability among their employees. These benefits are designed to address various aspects of an employee’s financial life, aiming to reduce financial stress, improve overall financial health, and enhance the employee’s sense of security and stability.
Childcare & Family Assistance
Childcare and Family Assistance benefits in the workplace refer to a set of programs, policies, and resources that employers offer to support employees who have family-related responsibilities and obligations. These benefits are designed to help employees balance their work and family life by providing various forms of assistance, both financial and non-financial, to help them manage their caregiving responsibilities more effectively.
Social Connectedness
Social connectedness in the workplace refers to a set of programs, policies, and initiatives designed to foster a sense of belonging, community, and positive relationships among employees. Social connectedness benefits recognize the importance of healthy relationships and a sense of community in promoting overall employee well-being, job satisfaction, and productivity.
United for Working Families is Collaborating with and Affecting
Employers
Employees
Do you know ALICE?
Family-friendly workplaces uplift everyone, but for those below the ALICE threshold, they can break cycles of financial hardship. ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed.
When Enough Isn’t Enough
32% of workers in TN’s 20 most common jobs lived in households that couldn’t afford basics. Occupations with the largest share of workers in households below the threshold included:
- Personal care aides (62%)
- Fast food and counter workers (48%)
- Cooks (47%)
- Janitors and building cleaners (46%)
- Waiters and waitresses (45%)
ALICE at Work
We have now hosted 4 ALICE at Work cohorts training 15 companies that currently employ over 12,000 people in our community.
This 3-day comprehensive cohort program equips people leaders with the tools and data they need to better support employees facing financial hardship, known as ALICE workers —Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed. Reach out today to discuss cohort cost options for your team!
Resources
We will continue to update this section as new resources come. Stay tuned!
Family-friendly in Chattanooga
Need inspiration on where to start? Take a look at these local examples of family-friendly workplaces, and how they nurture professional growth and personal well-being.
2025 United for Working Families Summit
August 19, 2025 | The Westin Chattanooga
Our sold out 2025 Summit was so inspiring! See our photo gallery or watch our United is the Way we Support Working Families Video. Join the movement!
Thank you to our Sponsors!
More Ways to Get Involved
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