[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book I)]
[June 21, 1996]
[Page 962]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



[[Page 962]]


Memorandum on Family Friendly Work Arrangements
June 21, 1996

Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies

Subject: Implementing Federal Family Friendly Work Arrangements

    I continue to believe that honoring and supporting the concerns of 
family members in the workplace is vital to good government and to a 
productive work force. In order to build on its record of support for 
families in the Federal workplace, the executive branch must continue to 
examine its practices and to implement the goals of the Presidential 
Memorandum of July 11, 1994. The Federal Government must continue to set 
the pace in transforming the culture of the American workplace so that 
it supports employees who are devoted to their families.
    It is clear to me that whenever the Federal Government establishes a 
goal of providing civilian employees and military personnel with an 
environment supportive to families, the result is greater cost 
efficiency, increased worker commitment and productivity, better 
customer service, and improved family life.
    Therefore, today I am directing all executive departments and 
agencies to review their personnel practices and develop a plan of 
action to utilize the flexible policies already in place and, to the 
extent feasible, expand their ability to provide their employees:
    (1) assistance in securing safe, affordable quality child care;
    (2) elder care information and referral services;
    (3) flexible hours that will enable employees to schedule their work 
and meet the needs of their families. This includes encouragement to 
parents to attend school functions and events essential to their 
children;
    (4) opportunities to telecommute, when possible, and consistent with 
their responsibilities, to achieve the goal of 60,000 telecommuters by 
1998 as set by the President's Management Council. This includes 
telecommuting from home and from satellite locations;
    (5) policies and procedures that promote active inclusion of fathers 
as well as mothers;
    (6) an effective mechanism by which employees can suggest new 
practices that strengthen families and provide for a more productive 
work environment; and
    (7) leadership and participation in these policies and programs at 
the highest level of the agency.
    The departments and agencies shall provide an initial report on the 
results of this review to the Vice President through the National 
Performance Review within 120 days of the date of this memorandum. This 
report should include an assessment of progress made towards specific 
goals and include innovative approaches and detailed success stories.
    The National Performance Review, together with the Domestic Policy 
Council, the President's Management Council Working Group on 
Telecommuting, the Office of Personnel Management, and the General 
Services Administration will continue to work with the executive 
agencies as we move forward together to increase productivity through 
family friendly work environments.

                                                      William J. Clinton

Note: This memorandum was released by the Office of the Press Secretary 
on June 24.