(INDIANAPOLIS) - Indiana will soon allow certain state employees to bring their infants to work under a new pilot program announced by Governor Mike Braun.
The "Family First Workplace" initiative is already underway in the governor's office, the State Personnel Department, and the Indiana Department of Health. It's designed to support new parents and strengthen early bonding during a child's first months.
Under the policy, eligible full-time employees may bring their biological or adopted infants ages four weeks to six months -- as long as the child is not yet mobile and the workplace is deemed safe. Participation requires advance approval, pediatrician clearance, and agreements from coworkers willing to briefly step in if the infant becomes disruptive.
Employees must maintain productivity, keep the workspace sanitary, and remove the child if management says the infant is causing disruption. Infants are not allowed in hazardous areas, state vehicles, or during fieldwork.
The program follows earlier expansions of paid parental leave and is part of the state's push to adopt more pro-family workplace policies.