“Research to live, work and learn by”
Our very reason for being is to conduct research that leads to action.
Founded in 1989, the Families and Work Institute practices civic science in addressing the most pressing problems in work life, family life, and children’s/adolescents’ development.
We believe that supporting people—at work, at home, and in their communities—leads to stronger organizations and a more equitable society.
Adolescence
The Breakthrough Years (Ellen Galinsky) is the essential guide to adolescence that demystifies the journey of adolescence, bridging the gap between parents’ fears and teenagers’ needs. Our science-backed and evidence-based Ask the Children, Youth Voices Research series provides how our children feel about the burning issues in their lives.
Workforce Workplace
Our latest Tool, Thriving Workplace Index is a comprehensive staff retention tool, key to improving your organization’s culture and retaining staff. We spearheaded the creation of WFRN’s Big Ideas Talks (2024 to present). The National Study of the Changing Workforce (NSCW) is a major study of the U.S. workforce. It builds on the Quality of Employment Survey of 1977 and was conducted from 1992 to 2016. Scholars continue to analyze data and produce reports. The National Study of Employers (2005-2016) provides an invaluable picture of the changing workplace.
Early Childhood
The Mind in the Making Book and the Seven Essential Life Skills Modules and other tools share research on promoting executive function life skills. The Modules have been carefully designed to promote new ways of learning and teaching.
Executive Function: Five New Basics to thrive in college, career and real life.
Join us in Washington, DC on Oct 8-10th 2025 for the Real Skills for Real Life Summit – Executive Functions: The New Basics for Learning.
Adolescence
The Breakthrough Years (Ellen Galinsky) is the essential guide to adolescence that demystifies the journey of adolescence, bridging the gap between parents’ fears and teenagers’ needs. Our science-backed and evidence-based Ask the Children, Youth Voices Research series provides how our children feel about the burning issues in their lives.
Workforce Workplace
Our latest Tool, Thriving Workplace Index is a comprehensive staff retention tool, key to improving your organization’s culture and retaining staff. We spearheaded the creation of WFRN’s Big Ideas Talks (2024 to present). The National Study of the Changing Workforce (NSCW) is a major study of the U.S. workforce. It builds on the Quality of Employment Survey of 1977 and was conducted from 1992 to 2016. Scholars continue to analyze data and produce reports. The National Study of Employers (2005-2016) provides an invaluable picture of the changing workplace.
Early Childhood
The Mind in the Making Book and the Seven Essential Life Skills Modules and other tools share research on promoting executive function life skills. The Modules have been carefully designed to promote new ways of learning and teaching.
Executive Function: Five New Basics to thrive in college, career and real life.
Join us in Washington, DC on Oct 8-10th 2025 for the Real Skills for Real Life Summit – Executive Functions: The New Basics for Learning.
We are unique among organizations—both academic and nonprofit—in five ways:
Your support will allow us to continue to deliver our high-quality research, publications, and services to you. Families and Work Institute is registered as a 503(c)(3) non profit organization
EIN 13-3560042.
To provide a Corporate Gift or have Donation questions – Please email donate@familiesandwork.org
