How can my company improve support for working parents?
Supporting working parents isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a strategic move that can profoundly enhance your company’s performance. From our own experiences, we’ve seen first-hand how creating a family-friendly workplace can lead to a happier, more motivated workforce.
The benefits of investing in support for working parents are substantial. Companies that make a genuine effort to support their employees often see increased engagement, reduced turnover, and heightened productivity. Parents who feel valued and supported are more likely to be committed and motivated, which translates into better job performance and loyalty. Additionally, a strong family-friendly ethos can enhance your company’s reputation, making it more attractive to top talent and positioning your organisation as a leader in progressive workplace practices.
One of the best ways to understand the impact of such support is through real-life examples. For instance, let us share the story of Lan Wu, a Euro Credit Portfolio Manager at Legal and General Investment Management (LGIM). Lan found that 1-1 parental transition coaching programme helped her navigate the complexities of balancing a demanding career with her parenting responsibilities, leading to increased job satisfaction and effectiveness. You can read more about Lan’s journey in our case study here: Lan Wu’s Story.
In today’s fast-paced life, the need for a family-friendly approach has never been more pressing. As HR and People Leaders, you have the power to make a meaningful impact. By implementing effective support strategies for working parents, you not only improve employee satisfaction but also foster a more dynamic and loyal workforce.
Ways to Improve Support For Working Parents
Here are some ideas how you can step up and improve support for working parents by creating a truly inclusive environment.
1. Flexible Work Arrangements
One of the most valued benefits for working parents is the flexibility to balance their professional and personal lives. Flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options, adjustable hours, or compressed workweeks, can significantly reduce stress and improve job satisfaction. Consider allowing parents to adjust their schedules around their children’s needs, such as school pick-ups or appointments. Implementing policies that accommodate these needs can make a substantial difference in retaining talent and increasing overall productivity.
2. Enhanced Parental Leave Policies
Revisiting your company’s parental leave policies is crucial. Offering generous paid parental leave not only supports new parents but also signals that your company values their well-being and family life. Ensure that your parental leave policy is inclusive and provides equal benefits to all parents, regardless of gender. Additionally, consider providing resources for a smooth transition back to work, such as phased return options or temporary adjustments to workload.
3. On-Site Childcare or Childcare Support
For many parents, finding reliable childcare is a significant concern. Providing on-site childcare services or partnering with local childcare providers to offer discounted rates can alleviate this worry. If on-site childcare is not feasible, consider offering a childcare stipend or vouchers to help offset the cost. This support demonstrates your commitment to easing the burden on working parents and can enhance their overall job satisfaction. This is a great way to improve support for working parents.
4. Family Leave Policies
Family leave policies should extend beyond parental leave to include support for other family-related responsibilities. This could encompass time off for caring for sick family members or attending important family events. Clear and compassionate family leave policies allow employees to manage their responsibilities without the fear of job loss or career stagnation. Ensure these policies are communicated effectively and are easily accessible to all employees.
5. Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs)
Employee Assistance Programmes can be a valuable resource for working parents. EAPs often provide, coaching, mental health support, and resources for parental transition or managing work-life balance. By promoting these services and ensuring they are tailored to the needs of working parents, your company can offer additional support during challenging times. Regularly review and update these programmes to address the evolving needs of your workforce. Contact us to find out more about how we can provide coaching and support through our digital platform for the parental transition and to manage the work-family balance.
6. Supportive Work Culture
Creating a supportive work culture is essential for working parents. Encourage open communication between employees and managers about work-life balance and family needs. Managers should be trained to handle requests for flexible working arrangements empathetically and without bias. Building a culture that values and respects personal commitments can foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for all employees. Contact us to find out more about how we can provide coaching and support through our digital platform to your managers supporting flexible working.
7. Career Development and Advancement Opportunities
Working parents often face challenges in maintaining career progression while balancing family responsibilities. Ensure that your company provides equal opportunities for career development and advancement to all employees, regardless of their parental status. Implementing mentorship programmes, offering career development workshops, and creating clear pathways for promotion can help working parents advance their careers without sacrificing family time. Contact us to find out more about our work-family balance webinars and workshops.
8. Wellbeing Programmes
Supporting the health and wellness of working parents can have a positive impact on their overall well-being and job performance. Offer programmes that address both physical and mental health, such as fitness memberships, wellness seminars, or stress management workshops. By prioritising the health of your employees, you create a more resilient and engaged workforce. Contact us to find out more about our wellbeing webinars and workshops.
9. Family-Friendly Workplace Awareness
Supporting working parents goes beyond just offering flexible policies—it’s about creating a culture that truly values and understands the importance of work-family balance. #WorkFamilyBalance Awareness Month is an excellent opportunity for your organisation to highlight and promote this crucial aspect of employee wellbeing. This initiative aligns with our ongoing commitment to helping employees and their families find harmony between their professional and personal lives.
Other ways to promote support for working parents
To further promote the improvement of support for working parents, here are a few ways you can get involved:
👉 Raise Awareness: Share the benefits of a healthy work-family balance with your network. Your voice can help drive the change we need. Learn More
👉 Join the Community: Connect with a supportive community on LinkedIn for working parents navigating the challenges and joys of balancing careers and family life. Join Now
👉 Take the Quiz: Assess your current work-family balance with our Work-Family Balance Quiz. Evaluate your work habits, support systems, and the impact of work on family life. Take the Quiz
👉 Inspire a Workplace: Discover how prioritising work-family balance can enhance employee well-being and organisational success. Learn how to create a family-friendly workspace that leads to a more engaged and productive workforce. Get In Touch
Finally, regularly evaluate the effectiveness of your support programs and policies. Solicit feedback from working parents through surveys or informal discussions to understand their needs and experiences. Use this feedback to make informed adjustments and improvements to your support strategies.
Improve Support for Your Working Parents with Parent and Professional
By adopting some of the strategies we’ve listed, you have the opportunity to make a real difference. A great example of this in action is the approach taken by Kingsley Napley, a London-based law firm that has successfully integrated parental leave coaching into its suite of family-friendly benefits. This initiative, offered through P&P Coaching, provides employees with personalised support as they navigate the challenges of balancing work and family life.
Improving support for working parents is not just about meeting immediate needs—it’s an investment in the long-term success and stability of your organisation. Your commitment to creating a nurturing workplace will pay dividends in employee satisfaction and organisational resilience, driving your company toward greater success!