This article provides an overview of the various ways of interactions of actors composing the local system of work-life balance policies in Lombardy. Starting with a theoretical analysis under the organizational perspective of the elements forming the so-called welfare mix, work-life balance policies in Lombardy have created, since 2010, a new and innovative coordination style among the different actors (State, Market, Family and Third Sector). This type of coordination allows a new system of governance at the local level, with a real commitment of public and private agents. The present paper describes an empirical case study based on the results of four different workshops developed in order to induce Lombardy’s provinces and all the public bodies involved, to reflect about this Work-Life Balance Territorial Plan. Directing all the policies according to a work-life balance point of view, and creating a high level of active interaction between public and private organisations, can contribute to get over the welfare state crisis that we are now experiencing. Creating networks, being agents of changing, encouraging dialogue between different organisations, leads the public bodies to an innovative way of administrating both public finances and the relationships with local actors, reaching high level of performance and higher rates of female employment. Finally, it allows the creation of a territorial administration receptive to its citizens' work-life balance issues.
