Supporting Working Families

We believe strong families build strong communities. The City is committed to creating a workplace in which parents and caregivers can thrive while performing meaningful public service. Our policies, benefits, and workplace culture are designed to support employees through pregnancy, childbirth or adoption, caregiving, and the everyday responsibilities of raising a family.

family forward

Beginning in 2023, the City earned the Family Forward NC Employer Certification, a statewide designation recognizing employers that offer policies and practices proven to support working families, child well-being, and economic stability. This certification reflects meaningful investments in areas such as paid leave, workplace flexibility, accommodations for pregnancy and breastfeeding, and broader supports that help employees balance work and family responsibilities. It affirms our commitment to being an employer where families are valued and supported.

Flexibility That Works for Families

Workplace flexibility is one of the most meaningful ways to support working parents. Depending on the role, employees may:

Work remotely two days per week, and in limited cases completely remote
Use flexible schedules that reduce the number of days required on site
Spend more time at home supporting children and family needs

Even for positions that must remain on site, we strive to create scheduling approaches that recognize the realities of family life.

Support During Pregnancy and Early Parenthood

We provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees so they can remain safe, healthy, and productive at work. After a child arrives, our paid family caregiver leave allows eligible employees to take up to six weeks of fully-paid leave, separate from sick leave or paid time off, to:

Care for a newborn child

Bond with a child placed through adoption or foster placement

Support a child, spouse or parent with a serious health condition

This benefit reflects our belief that family care should never come at the expense of financial stability.

A Breastfeeding-Friendly Workplace

The City was first recognized as a Breastfeeding-Friendly Employer by the North Carolina Breastfeeding Coalition in 2017. Since then, we have continued to expand our support for nursing employees:

Paid break time to express milk

Clean, secure, and private lactation spaces for employees who do not have private offices

A commitment that no employee will ever be expected to use a restroom or other unsuitable location for lactation

We are proud to foster a respectful environment where parents can care for their children’s health without sacrificing their careers.

Time to Be Present for What Matters

A Community That Cares

Choosing a career in public service should not mean choosing between work and family. At the City, we are proud to offer thoughtful benefits, genuine flexibility, and a culture that values families and work/life balance.