INDIANAPOLIS – Today, Indiana Governor Mike Braun announced the launch of Family First Workplace initiative, a new family-focused program that allows eligible state employees to bring their infants to work during the first six months of life.
The Family First Workplace program will begin as a pilot in the Governor’s Office, the Indiana Department of Health, and the State Personnel Department.
This program builds on Governor Braun’s parental leave policy for state employees, which expanded paid parental leave for new parents, provided paid childbirth leave for women recovering from giving birth, as well as paid leave for those grieving from the tragedy of losing a baby.
Governor Braun said the initiative reflects Indiana’s commitment to strengthening families, supporting parents in the workforce, and promoting healthy early childhood development.
“Indiana is going to lead the nation in pro-family policy. The parental bonding that happens in the first months of a child’s life are irreplaceable, and our new Family First Workplace pilot program helps parents stay connected to their newborns while continuing their careers. Indiana is building a culture that puts families first.” — Governor Mike Braun
The pilot program’s policy, developed with the State Personnel Department, outlines clear safeguards to ensure safety, productivity, and operational continuity.
Part of Governor Braun’s “Family First Indiana” Agenda
The new initiative builds on a series of steps the Braun Administration has taken in 2025 to reinforce Indiana’s commitment to families.
Governor Braun previously signed an executive order to strengthen paid parental leave for state employees. The executive order provided paid childbirth leave for women recovering from giving birth, as well as paid leave for those grieving from the tragedy of losing a baby.
The Braun administration has lead on pro-life and pro-family policies, standing up for the unborn and ensuring Indiana’s pro-life laws defending the unborn are followed by providers.
Next Steps
The pilot program will begin immediately, with agencies implementing the standardized procedures issued by SPD.
If successful, the state may expand the Infants-at-Work Initiative to additional agencies.
