Arkansas Introduces 'Infant at Work' Policy for State Employees

Little Rock, AR. - Arkansas state employees are now benefiting from a new initiative allowing them to bring their infants to the workplace. Governor Sarah Sanders enacted the "Infant at Work" policy, designed to support working parents during the crucial early months of their child's life.

Under the new directive, state employees can bring infants aged four weeks to six months old to the office, provided they have a supervisor's permission. This policy offers a flexible alternative for parents facing the common challenge of returning to work while caring for a newborn.

Jessica Moore and Morgan Warbington are two state employees who have participated in the program with their second children, Finley and Stella, respectively. Moore expressed profound relief upon learning about the policy, noting its positive influence on the office environment. "A lot of grace was given, and even people that are not fans of babies were all around and wanting to come into the office and get some of that light and positivity," Moore stated.

Warbington shared a personal experience, recalling her struggle with postpartum depression after returning to work following her first child's birth. She credits the "Infant at Work" policy with preventing a recurrence, allowing her to experience joy both at home and in the workplace. "Honestly, I went back a lot earlier than I would have. I went back at 4 weeks just because I knew I could bring her with me," Warbington explained, adding, "I believe it saved me from a second postpartum journey, so I was really thankful for it."

Governor Sanders highlighted the policy's broader impact, stating, "Frankly, it makes people happier. Everybody loves having babies in the office." She shared how the presence of infants even lightened difficult conversations within her own office. Sanders drew inspiration for the policy from her experiences as a full-time working mother, aiming to set an example for supporting parents in the workforce.

She emphasized the profound reminder that "there's no greater reminder than getting to literally sit and hold a five week old baby and know that the decisions that we're making, the policies that we're enacting and the state that we're building is going to directly impact those kids".