Are friendly-family policies in the private sector a myth or a reality? : a study conducted with employers and employees of SMEs

Abstract

The Research Question of this study is; “Are friendly-family policies in the private sector a myth or a reality? In this research I highlighted and compared which family friendly measures exist in five diverse private businesses in the Maltese private sector. Malta`s private sector family friendly measures were also compared to those of Germany and the United Kingdom. The aim of was to get a clearer view of the employees and employers experience, knowledge and implementation in order to present recommendations on new proposals for future policies and what modifications can make family-friendly measures more ‘friendly’ in present policies. The required data was obtained by interviewing employees and employers in the Maltese private sector to determine if the organisation in reality adopts a family friendly approach to its employees. Data was collected through qualitative interviews. The employers stated that their organisations offer a family friendly work environment. Lack of awareness, lack of acceptance of new measures, costs, lack of trust between Management and Employees and Perceived Lack of Equity were identified as the key factors that influence employers in regards to promoting a more family friendly workplace. There was a distinct difference in regards to the occupation of the employees and the Family Friendly Measures available at their respective workplace. Flexitime and Telework will allow for more flexibility and life satisfaction and these Family Friendly Measures were identified by the employees as being the best alternative to promote these measures in the workplace. There should be a common standard practice in regards to Family Friendly Measures in the workplace for employees working in the public and the private sector. Barriers and Issues in regards to the promotion of FFM in the private sector should be addressed to promote measures that are innovative, flexible and sensitive to the employees' needs.