As any parent will tell you having kids isn’t easy! Throw in a career as well and the juggling act is real (although incredibly fulfilling). To finding childcare, arranging drop-offs and pick-ups, sorting after school club; the list feels endless! It can be an emotional time for any parent, from the moment you start to think about making the transition back into a working environment the guilt starts… Will they enjoy their Nursery? What happens if they’re ill and I can’t go into work? Who will they go to if they’re upset?
With 7 in 10 (73%) of families with both parents in employment, what can your employer do to help?
Flexibility
It has been spoken about many times but since the pandemic. It has shone a light on how hybrid working can really work for employers & employees. Showing flexibility to working parents instills trust and eases any obstacles that comes with busy everyday life. Cutting out commute times and being able to spend more quality time at home improving mental health is a win win for any employee or employer.
Flexible working hours
Speak to your boss about temporarily changing your work pattern, as long as you still fulfill your contracted hours weekly. For example, in the summer holidays to accommodate changes in your children’s schedules.
Keep talking to each other
Without doubt one of the best ways to support your employee is to talk to them directly to find out their needs. It is all too easy to assume that employees want a certain thing, but everyone is different and family needs are different too. It may be that from listening to your employees you can simply tweak an existing arrangement or find a solution that works for everyone and consequently assists them to demonstrate the already mentioned hard work, commitment and tenacity! So, employees speak to your employee. They might be able to adjustments for you, or it could be that you are highlighting something that is important to your colleagues too. Making it a better workplace for everyone.
Understanding
Putting yourself in someone else’s shoes. No good employee wants to disappoint their employer, unfortunately life happens and children are sick. Knowing your employer understands the situation can make these instances a lot more stress free.
Childcare support
Know what financial support you can receive. There are a number of schemes to claim money back and receive support. https://www.gov.uk/tax-free-childcare to make sure you are receiving the right help.
Finding the right employer is key! Its hard enough leaving your loved ones, it feels even harder when you’re not reaping the rewards of feeling fulfilled in your job.
I truly believe that because Eventus Recruitment Group have such a strong ethos, they have made the transition for me so easy and effortless, I know I am a trusted and valued employee.
Written by Shelley Gilchrist, Finance Resourcing Consultant for Eventus Recruitment Cheshire
Article statistic source: Families and the labour market, UK – Office for National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)