Exploring the Impact of Children in the Workplace Policies on Staff and Faculty

• In Event: Women's Experiences in Higher Education

Abstract

Some U.S. institutions of higher education (IHEs) have policies that limit or restrict children in the workplace. Such policies and their enforcement (or lack thereof) may impact workplace environments and campus culture in ways heretofore unexamined. Research demonstrates that when IHEs create support systems for employees’ work-life balance, they are more loyal, productive, satisfied, and work harder to advance professional and institutional goals. This mixed methods study explores the impact of children in the workplace policies on the professional and personal lives of university staff and faculty, particularly those who are parents. Preliminary findings suggest that policies that restrict children in the workplace impact job satisfaction and productivity and that mothers experience and perceive the policies in unique ways.

Authors

• Heather K. Olson Beal, Stephen F. Austin State University

• Lauren E. Brewer, Stephen F. Austin State University

• Lauren E Burrow, Stephen F. Austin State University

• Chrissy J Cross, Stephen F. Austin State University

• Brittany Fish, Sam Houston State University

• Shelby Laird, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences