PROBLEMS OF LEGAL REGULATION OF THE APPLICATION OF BENEFITS AND GUARANTEES PROVIDED FOR IN THE LITHUANIAN LABOR CODE TO EMPLOYEES RAISING CHILDREN

In modern society, ensuring a work-life balance for employees is an integral part of a sustainable social policy and a modern work culture. Technological progress, changing public expectations and increased attention to employee well-being have made this aspect one of the most important for both employees and employers. Social guarantees and benefits for employees raising children and employee protection are of particular importance, as they help maintain employee productivity and loyalty and, at the same time, maintain social cohesion in the labor market. Economically strong and democratic states strive to ensure that citizens' rights are effectively implemented. Economic stability, a strong social security system and the effective work of state institutions form the basis for properly caring for vulnerable groups of the population. The importance of this topic is emphasized by demographic aging in Lithuania, and low birth rates indicate the need to promote birth rates in the country. This article aims to analyze the problematic aspects of the legal regulation of the application of benefits and guarantees provided for in the Labor Code to employees raising children. Research objectives. Currently, the issue of the relevance and application of benefits and guarantees provided to employees raising children is increasingly raised. The discussions cover various aspects of these measures, from their impact on the well-being of families to the economic and social consequences for employers and the entire labor market. Particular emphasis is placed on how these benefits contribute to work-life balance, gender equality and financial stability of families. To achieve the goals and objectives of the work, the following research methods were used in the final work: analysis of documents, comparative, generalizing, system analysis and methods of empirical research (qualitative research, semi-structured interview). Results. The legal guarantees for employees raising children are broadly defined, but their application in practice raises problems and challenges. In some cases, employers do not fully ensure these rights or employees are not properly informed about their guarantees. In addition, although legal acts provide benefits for employees raising children, ensuring work schedule flexibility often depends on the employer's goodwill. The diversity of opinions of the experts participating in the study shows that while the current legal acts essentially ensure the rights and legitimate interests of employees raising children, problems arise when applying the legal acts in practice.