CITY OF SEATTLE
RESOLUTION __________________
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A RESOLUTION requesting a plan to develop an "Infants at Work" pilot program for eligible City of Seattle employees and their infants.
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WHEREAS, in 2015, the Washington State Department of Health implemented an "Infant at Work Program" based on the long-term health value of breastfeeding or chestfeeding newborns and bonding, and allows eligible parents or guardians to bring their infants aged six weeks to six months to work; and
WHEREAS, in 2017, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners marked 20 years of its "Infants in the Workplace" program, during which they have been recognized for excellence in promoting work-life balance; and
WHEREAS, in 2018, King County developed a work plan for implementing an "Infants at Work" pilot program in King County Elections; and
WHEREAS, the King County Women's Advisory Board issued a report in 2019 finding that the cost of childcare in King County has been growing faster than the rate of inflation for the last 25 years and families making the area median income (AMI) are spending nearly one-quarter of their income on child care; and
WHEREAS, the King County Women's Advisory Board's report also found that childcare costs for infants and young toddlers are more expensive than childcare for older children; and
WHEREAS, the Parenting in the Workplace Institute reports that more than 2,100 infants in more than 200 organizations have been successfully brought to work in office-based, cubicle-based, and open-plan environments; and
WHEREAS, the Parenting in the Workplace Institute reports that key benefits of "Infants at Work" programs for families are lower childcare costs, better financial stability for employees, lower stress, increased bonding, and fewer barriers to breastfeeding and chestfeeding; and
WHEREAS, the Parenting in the Workplace Institute reports that key benefits of "Infants at Work" programs for employers are increased employee loyalty, lower turnov...
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