FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 22, 2026
Contact: Janelle Meyers, VP, Marketing & Communications
Santa Rosa Metro Chamber | 707-636-3663
Santa Rosa Metro Chamber Launches Work Life Initiative Awards
The new initiative celebrates employers implementing innovative workplace practices and policies, and shares approaches to help build a stronger, healthier and more competitive regional workforce.
SANTA ROSA, CA – The Santa Rosa Metro Chamber is launching the Work Life Initiative Awards, a new opportunity to recognize Sonoma County employers of all sizes that are creating workplaces where employees can thrive both professionally and personally. Through an online workplace self-assessment, organizations of all sizes can showcase their commitment to employee well-being while gaining recognition as leaders in workplace culture and innovation. The assessment focuses on practices and policies including flexible work arrangements, paid family leave and childcare support, employee wellness, work life balance, workplace culture, and employee satisfaction. Participating organizations will also receive benchmarking insights and resources to support continued improvements.
Based on their assessment results, participating organizations can receive one of five Work Life Initiative distinctions: Trailblazer, Champion, Advocate, Balance Builder, or Pathfinder. Results are considered in the context of employer size, recognizing organizations at different stages of their workplace journey—from those setting the bar high to those taking their first steps in creating a more family-friendly workplace.
By prioritizing people, these organizations are helping shape a healthier and more competitive regional economy. The employer’s benefits from these supports are increasingly clear. *For example, Milk Stork reports that companies with lactation-support programs have a 94% retention rate among employees after maternity leave, compared with a 59% national average. Additionally, 67% of working parents have considered changing their jobs in the last year, but 42% of that group decided to stay specifically because their employer supported their caregiving, according to a research report by Vivvi and The Fifth Trimester.
*Supporting data is available in the downloadable report on the Milk Stork website.
“Attracting and retaining great people is one of the biggest challenges facing employers today. We also know that employers throughout our community care deeply about their employees and are working hard to create workplaces where people can succeed. The Work Life Initiative gives us an opportunity to recognize and celebrate those efforts while sharing practical ideas and resources that can help every employer continue to grow and improve. A strong workforce and a vibrant community begin with workplaces where people can thrive.”
-Ananda Sweet, Chief Executive Officer, Santa Rosa Metro Chamber
“First 5 Sonoma County is proud to partner with the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber of Commerce as they launch the Work Life Initiative Awards. It’s high time our community shine a bright light on local employers that are getting it right for parents of young children, and to encourage even more businesses to follow their lead. When employers support new parents with paid leave, flexible scheduling, and real accommodations that center the needs of very young children, everyone benefits; employees stay healthier and more engaged, businesses build stronger, more loyal teams and children’s needs are better met. Supporting families isn’t just good policy—it’s good business.”
–Angie Dillon-Shore, Chief Executive Officer, First 5 Sonoma County
The Work Life Initiative Awards are part of the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber’s broader Workplace & Workforce Innovation program, which is funded by First 5 Sonoma County and Measure I. The program engages employers as active partners in advancing family-friendly workplace practices, employer-supported childcare strategies, and other approaches that strengthen workforce stability and early childhood outcomes. All Sonoma County businesses are encouraged to participate; the awards are not limited to Chamber members.
Learn more and complete the Work Life Initiative Awards assessment: https://www.santarosametrochamber.com/work-life-initiative-interest-form/
ABOUT SANTA ROSA METRO CHAMBER
Born out of the rubble of the 1906 earthquake, the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber is the leading voice for business in the North Bay region. Through advocacy, education and workforce development programs, and industry and small business development, the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber strives to create a vibrant community for its members, as well as residents of and visitors to Sonoma County. More than a membership organization, the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber provides a vision and the leadership to achieve increased, shared prosperity for everyone in the region – from each member to every program and volunteer, the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber is shaping the future of living and doing business in the place we call home. For more information visit www.santarosametrochamber.com.
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