Workplace work‐family interventions: Italy in times of welfare state retrenchment and recession

In: The international journal of sociology and social policy, Band 33, Heft 9/10, S. 565-578

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to investigate work‐family interventions in Italian organizations within the context of a national welfare regime and in the face of recession.Design/methodology/approachThe results of case studies carried out on eight leading companies in the field of workplace work‐family policies are presented. The case study research is supported by a literature review as well as an analysis of national legislation and political agenda concerning work‐family issues.FindingsFindings indicate that, against the backdrop of the institutional framework, one impact of the recession may be the setting aside of workplace work‐family intervention, especially in small and medium‐sized organizations with limited resources. Evidence collected using case study research suggests that this has not happened in larger companies where employers have adopted a strategic approach to work‐family issues. In these larger firms, work‐family policies have been assessed and reorganized as a result of an increasing concern for workplace performance and efficiency. In this regard, resilience to the crisis in workplace arrangements is related to the fact that the adoption of an evidence‐based approach makes economic sense and contributes to obtaining the long‐term support needed from important stakeholders.Research limitations/implicationsThe case study companies are not necessarily representative of current workplace intervention in the field; a generalization of the findings may not therefore be appropriate. They do however provide valuable insights for both future research on workplace support and public policy design.Originality/valueThe article investigates the links between the wider social, economic and political context and workplace work‐family arrangements in specific organizations.