Building Supportive Workplaces for Iowans
Work. Well. Iowa. is a statewide initiative from Iowa ACEs 360 advancing supportive workplace policies that reflect how people actually live and work.
Business smart. People centered. Future-ready.
We invite you to be part of this work from the beginning. Join the interest list below to receive updates on the campaign, the January launch event, and opportunities to shape the direction of this effort.
Learn the Basics
New to supportive workplace policies or looking for a practical starting point?
Start with the Mini Guide
Attend the launch event
A Statewide Conversation Begins January 26
Be a part of the conversation at our launch event on January 26 from 8:30-noon at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Center. Everyone impacted by supportive workplace policies is encouraged to attend. Employers, chambers, nonprofits, and community organizations play a critical role in normalizing and advancing supportive workplace policies. There is no cost, but registration is required. This event will feature keynote speaker, Katie Ferrier, SVP Public Policy and Economic Development of the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. She will share how child care and other supportive work policies, including paid leave, are important for business and the workforce.
Registration is now open.
Why Work. Well. Iowa. Exists
Households across Iowa are juggling jobs, care responsibilities, daily schedules, medical appointments, and the unexpected challenges that come with real life. At the same time, employers across our state are working to build strong teams, reduce turnover, and create stable, productive workplaces.
Supportive workplace policies benefit both.
Research shows that when employees have predictable schedules, access to paid leave, flexibility, and child care support, they experience lower stress, improved well-being and greater stability — and employers experience improved retention, reduced absenteeism, and stronger workplace culture.
Workplaces help shape well-being, not only for employees, but also for the people and communities they care for. Those care networks shape communities. Work. Well. Iowa. brings these truths together.
Business Smart. People Centered. Future-Ready.
Business Smart.
Supportive policies strengthen Iowa workplaces and improve the bottom line.
- When employees receive predictable schedules, employers see improved retention and reduced turnover.
- Access to supportive practices — advance scheduling, clear communication, paid leave — reduces absenteeism and strengthens operations.
- Iowa employers adopting supportive practices report more stable teams and a stronger workplace culture.
People Centered.
Supportive workplaces directly improve the health and stability of Iowa families.
- Seventy-six percent of Iowa kids live in homes where their primary caregivers work — that means workplace policies directly shape childhood well-being.
- Predictable schedules ease the daily mental load of managing caregiving, school routines, and medical needs.
- When employees have flexibility and support, families experience lower stress and greater stability.
Future-Ready.
Policies that support caregivers today strengthen Iowa’s economic and community health long-term
- Iowa families with reliable caregiving arrangements contribute to stronger early development and school readiness.
- States like Kansas and North Carolina show that expanding access to supportive workplace policies improves workforce stability — results that compound over time.
- Communities with strong, supported families see long-term gains in economic resilience, health, and civic participation.
What This Campaign Will Do
Work. Well. Iowa. will:
Help Iowans understand how supportive workplace policies impact health, workforce stability, and community well-being.
Share examples where supportive workplace practices have strengthened people, their care networks, and the businesses they power.
Invite employers, community leaders, and families to explore what’s possible and help shape practical, realistic solutions that work in everyday Iowa workplaces.
Stay Connected
Be the first to receive updates on the Work. Well. Iowa. campaign and the January launch event.
We will send only relevant updates, event details, and opportunities to contribute stories or feedback.