1.Realize that in a time of limited budgets, cost management teams are trying to evaluate whether programs are delivering on their promised value. They are not necessarily looking to eliminate valued benefits.

2. Make sure proposed and existing programs tie into the business; they may not last if viewed as stand alone or "nice to do" programs.

3. Think broadly. Think creatively. This is the time to explore partnerships and community resources, and to develop ideas that can be introduced at a later time.

4. Gather information about what other employers are doing to balance their business needs with their employees' family needs. Incorporate this information into your proposals.

5. Focus on understanding employees' needs; make sure they are aware of existing benefits and how to use them.

6. Use this time to set up tracking and evaluation systems for existing programs and policies. Get employee feedback to ensure that benefits are meeting their needs, and refine your programs as necessary.

7. Build a positive track record by initiating pilot programs. Pilots can be effective in determining employee needs and the quality of a program, and also allow you to target specific populations.

8. Look for pockets of interest or opportunity at mid-management levels. Focus on sensitizing managers to family issues affecting work performance, and ways they as managers can respond. This can be done through informal manager roundtables. The only cost is your time.

9. Try small scale, informal changes' rather than larger, systemic changes.

10. Consider cost-sharing with employees. For example, a company can purchase books or videos at bulk rates, and sell them to employees at the discounted rate.

11. Photocopying is fine! If you have to choose between doing something or nothing, do something.

12. Announce now; implement later. You may stand a better chance of getting senior management's commitment to a later implementation date. By announcing the program now, you are letting employees know the company is moving forward.

This list was developed from a presentation by members: Gail Abel, Wells Fargo Bank, Steven Fackler, Ware & Friedenrich and Michael Goldstein, Lawrence Berkele Laboratory.