The Seventh-day Adventist Church in the South Pacific region is encouraging its employees to spend more time with their families.

Members of the church’s executive committee, meeting November 13-15, endorsed a statement with the following provisions: employees are expected to spend no more than 90 nights a year away from their families, take time off to compensate for extended work hours and take their annual leave when it is due.

Dr. Bryan Craig, the church’s family ministries leader, says the statement sends a message about “the importance of families and of taking responsibility for nurturing relationships.”

Human resources leader Colin Clark recognizes the tension between work and family. “Many of our staff feel pressured to travel because the division covers such a vast territory.”

The statement makes financial provision for the spouse or dependent of an employee whose work involves considerable travel to accompany him or her on occasions.

“We’re also sensitive to employees with family issues or personal difficulties relating to their work,” adds Clark. “So we’re also providing up to six sessions of confidential counseling a year for these employees and their immediate families.”

Church president Laurie Evans says the statement will address some inconsistencies. “We say we value the family, but we don’t always practice what we preach.”