How to Support Working Parents

By September 27, 2021 Managers

With back-to-school season in full swing, many employees are now juggling the responsibilities between work and home. The last year changed the way we focus on family, which translates to the workplace. How can you best support working parents on your team? Here are just a few ideas to get you started.

Offer Paid Parental Leave

In the United States, paid parental leave isn’t federally mandated, but companies can choose to create policies. As long as you adhere to FLMA, you can establish a parental leave that offers new parents the option to take time off with pay for a determined length of time. It will encourage mothers to return to the workplace and allow fathers to take time off to support their growing families.

Create a Family-Friendly Culture

When parents do return to work, you also need to create a culture that values families. Some companies will provide additional days off just for fun and relaxation with the family in the summertime. Others start a family-specific Slack channel so parents in the company can talk to each other about common issues.

Provide the Ability for Flexible Schedules

Parents also sometimes need additional time for other personal reasons. Offering flexible schedules to drop their child off or pick them up from school or daycare will significantly help and encourage long-term performance improvements and motivation. They may also need unexpected time off for appointments, and companies can offer flex-time.

Encourage Support from the Team

It’s also important to encourage your entire staff to be supportive of parents in the workplace. To do this, create an environment where family leave isn’t just for parents but also the care of older family members or illnesses at home. When everyone feels supported in the workplace, they are more likely to pitch in when help is needed.

Bring in Additional Help

Many employees, including parents, often feel like they can’t take time off. They may believe that employers will retaliate if they miss work or are unable to accomplish tasks. As an employer, you can alleviate that pressure by bringing in short-term help whenever needed. Partnering with a staffing agency to utilize temporary associates can help support your working parents.

How can you support working parents?

Work with the staffing professionals at The Vision Companies today. Visit our website and connect with us to see how we can enhance your hiring process and work environment! 

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