A study conducted by Strathmore Business School's (SBS) Center for Research on Work and Family reveals that of 40 companies surveyed, 8% have no family policies, 28% have family policies which have never been implemented, 38% have policies which were seldom used while only 26% have family responsive cultures.

The findings of the survey were revealed during the first CEO/HR Forum held on Friday 23rd November 2007 at Serena Hotel. Kenya Tourist Board (KTB) was awarded for being the most family responsive company of the year.

The event organized by SBS in collaboration with IESE Business School, Spain brought together Human Resources Directors and CEOs from several countries in Africa who exchanged best practices and learnt about HR work practices from scholars and consultants in the area of work and family.

Christine Orono, HR Barclays Bank said that today's employees were looking for more than just remuneration. "They are more interested in a work environment that provides life-work balance," she said.

She added that the work place needed to be more flexible to fit into the employees' family lifestyles citing that policies such as working on half day basis, extended maternity leave, and working from home should be adopted by organizations to enable employees to balance the family and work roles.

SBS Dean, Mr George Njenga reiterated the need for organizations to care for the family. "If you take care of the family, you take care of the business. Individuals who work in companies that offer flexible policies are satisfied and are more productive," he said.

The Forum marked the official launch of the Centre for Research on Work and Family at SBS whose aim is to assist companies by conducting sound research in the areas of work and family conciliation and human resource practices. The centre will communicate and promote best practices to motivate companies to become family and socially responsible.