Family-Friendly Employment Law in Jersey

Written By Chloe Mouser

Challenges, Opportunities and How MOCO Coaching Can Help

The Jersey Chamber of Commerce recently published a survey examining the impact of family-friendly amendments to Jersey’s Employment Law. Conducted across 45 businesses from multiple sectors, the findings highlight the balance employers must strike between supporting employees and managing operational pressures.

Key Findings from the Survey

  • 71% of businesses reported increased costs, primarily due to paid parental leave and administrative requirements.

  • 67% said workloads were harder to manage during staff absences.

  • 62% had to restructure staffing or operations to cover parental leave.

  • 53% struggled with managing extended absences of up to 52 weeks.

  • 40% reported a rise in flexible working requests, creating scheduling and administrative challenges.

  • Only 18% of businesses said the amendments had no significant impact on operations.

While some employers noted improvements in employee morale and work-life balance, others reported decreased satisfaction or significant financial strain. As Chamber President Lee Madden noted:

"Businesses in Jersey are committed to supporting working parents and understand the value of family-friendly policies. However, these survey results show the amendments are placing a heavy burden on employers, particularly smaller firms. There is a clear need to review the legislation to ensure it is practical, affordable and fair for both businesses and employees."

What This Means for Businesses

Implementing family-friendly policies is crucial for employee retention, wellbeing and engagement. But for many businesses, particularly SMEs, these changes bring real challenges: balancing workloads, covering long absences, managing flexible working requests and controlling costs.

This is where MOCO Coaching can support organisations. Our approach helps businesses:

  • Plan and manage transitions: From parental leave to phased returns, we guide teams on covering absences without overburdening colleagues.

  • Support employee wellbeing: Tailored 1:1 coaching and reintegration workshops ensure returners feel confident, supported and productive.

  • Embed a flexible culture: We help leaders build sustainable policies that balance employee needs with business realities.

  • Strengthen retention: By proactively supporting staff during life changes, businesses reduce turnover, maintain morale and protect institutional knowledge.

Real Impact: How MOCO Works With Businesses

"We were struggling to manage parental leave and flexible working requests across our small team. We decided to invest in MOCO Coaching and they worked with us and key individuals. The result? Our returning employees felt supported, focused and clear and our team adapted smoothly without disruption."
- Director, Jersey SME

Turning Challenge Into Opportunity

Family-friendly employment policies are essential, but they don’t have to feel like a burden. With the right guidance, businesses can navigate legislative changes while fostering a supportive culture that benefits employees and the organisation.

At MOCO Coaching, we help businesses in Jersey and beyond turn the challenge of employee transitions into an opportunity for growth, engagement, and resilience.

✨ If your business is navigating parental leave, flexible working requests or extended absences, MOCO Coaching can help you plan, support and thrive.

Chloe Mouser
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