TYLER — Since 2021, more than a dozen infants have officially “retired” from their roles in Tyler’s city government, marking a unique initiative that combines workplace support for new parents with a lighthearted celebration of their contributions.
These infants are honored with retirement parties and receive special recognition from the mayor and city council upon their departure. Many return in the following months or years to reconnect with their former colleagues.
The “Infants at Work” program was launched in 2021 as part of Tyler’s efforts to implement innovative strategies aimed at supporting local families. This initiative allows city employees who become new parents to bring their newborns to work for a duration of six to nine months. The primary aim is to assist new parents, particularly mothers, during the challenging initial months of parenthood while allowing them to maintain their professional responsibilities, as explained by Regina Moss, the director of organizational development.
The program also serves as a practical alternative to a traditional maternity leave policy, which Moss noted the city is unable to afford. Many expectant mothers often rely on their accrued paid time off for maternity leave or utilize the Family and Medical Leave Act, which does not provide paid leave.
“We’re striving to equip them with the necessary tools so that they don’t feel compelled to choose between their careers and their families,” Moss stated. “Our goal is to seamlessly integrate and support them during this significant life transition.”
The early stages of a child’s life are crucial for establishing a foundation of trust and developing routines that facilitate growth into toddlerhood. Many mothers face challenges with breastfeeding, particularly when work schedules conflict with their feeding plans.
According to the Pew Research Center, the United States lags significantly behind other countries in providing government-mandated paid parental leave. Nations such as Estonia, Japan, Germany, Croatia, and Chile offer over 20 weeks of government-mandated leave, while the U.S. has no requirements for paid leave.
Although some states, including California, New Jersey, and New York, have implemented mandated paid leave, Texas has yet to follow suit. In 2023, a voluntary leave program was introduced in Texas, allowing businesses to contribute as they would for an insurance plan, but it has seen little uptake, as reported by the Houston Chronicle.
Moss acknowledged that rigid work schedules, lack of support, high childcare costs, low wages, and employee burnout have driven many women out of the workforce following childbirth. A 2024 Catalyst Survey indicated that these factors contributed to nearly half a million women leaving their jobs nationwide.
The program has been invaluable for Samantha Gary, who has seen two of her children “retire” from Infants at Work and successfully transition to childcare. She had concerns about placing her newborns in childcare due to costs, availability, and the potential impact on breastfeeding.
In preparation for the birth of her son, Lucca, now three, the city provided a clean and comfortable space for her to breastfeed during work hours. Her colleagues also generously equipped their office with baby supplies.
“Knowing that I worked for an organization that prioritized working mothers and made accommodations for me to return sooner made me feel valued,” Gary remarked. “I was confident in my ability to balance my professional aspirations with my personal life.”
The program enabled Gary to conduct city business while carrying her baby, as she serves as a liaison between the city, contractors, and the Environmental Protection Agency. Although much of her work occurs in an office setting—where one might find her child napping in a pack-n-play or enjoying tummy time—she often takes her children along during field visits.
To participate in the program, employees must hold positions that allow for bringing a baby to work and must have a supportive team available to care for the child when necessary.
“The baby essentially becomes an integral part of the department,” Moss noted. “They gain work ‘grandparents’ and ‘uncles’ who joyfully welcome their presence, which significantly boosts workplace morale.”
The initiative has garnered recognition, including an award from the Texas Municipal League. Furthermore, representatives from other cities have expressed interest in replicating the program, including Pampa, which launched its own “Babies at Work” initiative in 2023.
