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Across the country, new state legislative sessions have begun, many with a focus on supporting working families. While many constituents welcome these efforts, small businesses are one group that has traditionally opposed these proposals. With 80% of all U.S. businesses having 20 or fewer employees, it is important that legislators and advocates have a clear picture of how small businesses approach work and family issues.

To help state policy makers better understand the small business perspective on work-family legislative mandates, the Sloan Network has released a new research mini-brief, entitled Work-Family Information on Small Businesses. The mini-brief summarizes the small business viewpoint on work-family legislation, including paid sick days and paid family leave, underscoring both the concerns of and benefits to small businesses. The mini-brief also provides statistics, suggested readings, and websites with more information.

For those interested in delving deeper into how small businesses tackle work-family matters, the Sloan Network has recently compiled a topic page on Small Business and Work-Family. There, you will find definitions, reports, and links to other websites; there is also an interview with small business expert Bruce Phillips.

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