What can employers do to support working parents?

In today's economy, more and more parents are working outside the home. This can be a challenge, but it's also an opportunity for businesses to support their employees and their families. 

When businesses support working parents, they reap a number of benefits, including:

Increased productivity and performance

Studies have shown that working parents who are supported by their employers are more productive and perform better at work. This is because they are less stressed and more focused when they know that their employer has their back.

Improved employee engagement and retention

Employees who feel supported by their employer are more likely to be engaged in their work and less likely to leave the company. This is because they feel valued and appreciated, and they know that their employer cares about their well-being.

Attracting and retaining top talent

In today's competitive job market, businesses need to do everything they can to attract and retain top talent. One way to do this is to create a supportive culture for working parents. When parents know that they will be supported by their employer, they are more likely to choose that company over a competitor.

A more diverse and inclusive workforce

A supportive workplace for working parents can help to attract and retain a more diverse workforce. This is because parents come from all walks of life, and they bring a wealth of different perspectives and experiences to the workplace.

A healthier and happier workforce

When parents are supported by their employer, they are less stressed and more likely to be healthy and happy. This is because they have the time and resources they need to balance their work and family responsibilities. 

There are many ways that businesses can support working parents. Some of the most common strategies include:

Flexible work arrangements

This could include things like emails, flexitime, or compressed workweeks.

Provide parents with childcare resources

Babbu provides parents and caregivers of young children with convenient access to high-quality Early Years education that is easy, fun, and accessible. Moreover, Babbu is designed to be available to parents at their convenience, whenever and wherever they may need it. Babbu promotes parental mental well-being by offering mindfulness activities and fostering a supportive parenting community group.

On-site childcare

This can be a great option for parents who don't have access to affordable childcare in their community.

Create a parent network within your organisation

Businesses can create a parent network by providing resources and opportunities for employees to connect with each other.

Parental leave policies

These policies should be generous and allow parents to take time off to care for their children without fear of losing their jobs.

Employee assistance programs (also known as 'EAPs')

These programs can provide parents with resources and support for a variety of issues, such as stress management, childcare, and eldercare.

Training and development opportunities

These opportunities can help parents to develop their skills and advance their careers.

Conclusion

By supporting working parents, businesses can improve productivity and performance of their employees, increase employee engagement and retention, attract and retain top talent, create a more diverse and inclusive workforce, and improve the health and happiness of their employees.

In addition to the benefits listed above, supporting working parents can also help to improve the well-being of children.

Children whose parents are supported by their employers are more likely to have access to quality childcare, have more time with their parents, and have parents who are less stressed. This can lead to better outcomes for children in a number of areas, including academic achievement, social-emotional development, and physical health.