How can Employers support Working Parents during the Summer Holidays?

With the summer school holiday season upon us many working parents are in the challenging position of juggling work and childcare commitments.

As we try to balance work duties and career ambitions alongside childcare responsibilities and jam-packed schedules, eventually, some caregivers are spread so thin they start to burn out. A study from The Ohio State University found that working parents are significantly more likely to experience burnout compared to non-working parents, and that burnout can evidence itself in the workplace, with potential lower productivity, absenteeism or even staff turnover.

A workplace culture that values and understands the challenges of parenting can make employees feel supported and valued, here are some initiatives employers can support working parents by having in place:

1. Flexible Work Arrangements: Allowing employees to have flexible work hours or the option to work remotely can help them manage their time more effectively.

2. Child Care Benefits: Offering benefits that help offset the cost of child care can be a huge relief for working parents, making it easier for them to focus on their work without worrying about the financial burden.

3. Reviewing staff annual leave allowances: Some employers allow additional leave such as Mental Health days or have in place unlimited leave policies which provides the freedom to manage your own time and workload. Supporting parents to be able to take paid time off to spend with their families, should help ensure they can recharge and return to work refreshed.

4. Summer flex hours: Some employers have additional ‘summer leave days’ for all staff, to make the most of the weather and enjoy summertime activities, which can go a long way in showing employees how much their employer cares