Work and Life Balance

3M is a place where people can do their best work and achieve their potential. Yet that effort should not take away from our employees' lives outside of the office or plant. At 3M, a sustainable work environment is one where the needs and concerns of the people who work there are respected and supported, and we strive to create this environment through our beliefs and actions, as well as through our global employment policies and programs.

Work & Personal Life Resource Center

3M provides a broad array of educational and dependent care services to help employees effectively manage their work and personal lives. In 1984, 3M became the first company in the country to offer sick child care to our U.S. employees. Today, 3M also provides dependent care informational databases, on-site information fairs and back-up childcare, assisting our U.S. employees in addressing their family responsibilities while maintaining their productivity.

Alternative Work Arrangements

3M recognizes the importance of helping employees balance their life concerns with their work responsibilities. 3M employees are able to explore with their management a variety of alternative work arrangements, including part-time, job share, compressed work week and telecommuting. These opportunities are global and are communicated to employees through management, 3M Policy Center and the 3M intranet.

Dependent Care Resources

3M provides a range of resources to assist employees with dependent care, including child care and elder care. In 2007, 3M began to offer Child Care and Adult Care Consultation and Referral services through the 3M Employee Assistance Program in order to help employees locate appropriate services for their loved ones.