In a pivotal move toward creating more inclusive, supportive, and productive workplaces, the Pakistan Business Council (PBC), UNICEF, and UN Women have jointly launched a groundbreaking report titled “Mapping Family-Friendly Workplace Policies in Pakistan.” This landmark initiative highlights the transformative power of family-friendly policies in driving not only employee well-being and gender equality but also broader socio-economic development in Pakistan.
Understanding the Core of Family-Friendly Workplace Policies
The report outlines how progressive workplace measures—such as parental leave, flexible working arrangements, and childcare support—can significantly enhance employee morale, support child development, and strengthen gender-inclusive work environments. These policies are no longer just an HR add-on or a matter of corporate goodwill—they have become strategic imperatives for businesses seeking long-term success.
“For the private sector, family-friendly policies have evolved beyond compliance or corporate goodwill—they are now essential for cultivating a modern, resilient, and high-performing workforce,” emphasized Ehsan Malik, CEO of PBC.
According to the report, organizations that invest in employee-centered policies reap measurable benefits including:
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Higher talent retention
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Reduced absenteeism
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Greater gender diversity
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Improved productivity
The Critical Need for Childcare Support in Pakistan
With over 112 million children in Pakistan requiring care, the lack of accessible and affordable childcare facilities presents a substantial challenge, particularly for working mothers. This lack not only affects professional advancement but also restricts women’s participation in the workforce.
“Family-friendly policies are key to unlocking children’s potential, empowering women, and driving economic growth in Pakistan,” stated Abdullah Fadil, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan.
Despite the fact that only one in five women currently participates in the formal workforce, the report argues that the implementation of family-friendly policies can unlock immense economic potential. Early childhood development, supported by robust workplace policies, lays the foundation for a healthier, more educated, and more productive generation.
Shifting Gender Norms in Pakistan’s Work Culture
The report also underscores the importance of shared caregiving responsibilities and the shift from traditional gender roles. By enabling both men and women to thrive at work while fulfilling family responsibilities, workplaces become more gender-diverse, inclusive, and resilient.
“These policies challenge traditional gender roles, promote shared caregiving responsibilities, and contribute to shifting social norms,” said Jamshed Kazi, Country Representative, UN Women Pakistan.
This approach not only benefits families but also promotes social cohesion and economic equity, both of which are crucial to Pakistan’s long-term development goals.
Research-Backed Findings from Across Pakistan
The report is based on a comprehensive mixed-methods study, integrating surveys, focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and observational research in major urban centers such as Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. This methodology ensures a balanced view combining both quantitative and qualitative insights.
Key focus areas of the study include:
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Impact of childcare support on productivity
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Gender disparities in access to flexible work arrangements
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Managerial biases around caregiving
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Effective family-supportive workplace models
The Role of Government and Private Sector Collaboration
Speaking at the report launch, Ms. Shaheena Sher Ali, Minister for Women Development, Government of Sindh, emphasized the importance of cultivating a workplace culture grounded in equality, safety, and respect.
“We envision an environment where women are empowered to excel according to their talents, and men stand beside them as supportive and respectful colleagues,” she remarked.
She urged both private and public sectors to recognize that inclusive workplaces build stronger institutions and lead to economic stability and a more developed society.
Recommendations for Businesses: Where to Begin
The report provides a roadmap for businesses aiming to embed family-friendly policies into their organizational frameworks. Key recommendations include:
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Conducting employee needs assessments to identify caregiving challenges
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Offering flexible work options, such as remote work and staggered shifts
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Providing employer-supported childcare or collaborating with third-party providers
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Training managers to recognize unconscious biases around caregiving
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Forming cross-sector partnerships to strengthen national childcare infrastructure
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Integrating family-friendly practices into standard operating procedures for long-term sustainability
These strategic actions not only enhance business outcomes but also support national priorities like women’s empowerment, child welfare, and inclusive economic growth.
Toward a Future-Ready Pakistan
The “Mapping Family-Friendly Workplace Policies in Pakistan” report is not just a document—it is a call to action for businesses, policymakers, and civil society to build a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous Pakistan. By embracing family-friendly policies, Pakistan has the opportunity to transform its labor force, support working parents, empower women, and secure a brighter future for the next generation.
