10 Thoughtful Ways to Support Parents in the Workplace

Sometimes, parents in your workplace might need a little extra support. Whether you employ them or work alongside them, you can advocate for a change that makes them more comfortable – and when everyone is working without worry, the workplace is at peak productivity.

Here are 10 was you can support parents in the workplace:

1. Provide flexible hours

Flexible hours can be a vital tool that can help parents keep their heads above water. They may need to come in and leave earlier to take their kid to school and pick them up. Flexible hours can ensure that parents of infants get enough sleep, even if it means they come in an hour or two later than their coworkers. If workers know they won't get penalized for coming in late or leaving a bit early, they may be more likely to stick around.

2. Extend parental leave

Bonding with a baby shortly after they're born or have joined the family is crucial, but parents often don't get enough time to spend with their new addition. The average maternity leave in the United States is only around eight weeks, but you can always provide longer for your employees. By showing the parents in your office that you'll wait for them, they'll understand that you prioritize families and can work around their needs.

3. Support mental health awareness

Trying to juggle too much can leave you feeling tired out. Parents don't get to turn off their responsibilities for the day when they get home — they have children to care for and may only get a little time to themselves every evening. When people don't have time to themselves, they may start to feel burnt out.

If you know your employees and coworkers well, you should know when they're starting to suffer. Do what you can to advocate for people to take care of their mental well-being as much as they care for their physical health. See what you can do to take some stress off their shoulders.

4. Let people work from home

Working from home is a great opportunity for many people. It allows them the freedom to do their work from the comfort of home, which can be much easier to manage than sitting in an office. It's also a great opportunity for parents who don't have another form of childcare. While kids pose some challenges in work-from-home situations, it’s entirely possible for a working parent to build a schedule that helps them avoid distractions. Any parents in your office are bound to be grateful for the opportunity to stick with their kids.

5. Provide daycare

Many people can't always afford daycare options, and without proper childcare, it might be difficult for employees to commit to a job. Workplaces that want to support parents might look into how many of their employees are parents of young children. Then, they could begin a daycare with a playground to help employees' kids learn their social skills and improve their motor skills. While an in-house daycare might be costly, it ensures your employees feel appreciated and valued at their workplace.

6. Allow kids to come to work

While this idea might not be an option for every day, it could be a good opportunity for a recurring special event. Children can learn about what their parents do at the workplace, and they have a chance to work on their social skills — as long as they don't distract everyone trying to do their jobs. Polite kids should have no problems joining their parents in the office, and they might learn something new about how their parents work.

7. Choose family-friendly company activities

When you do a company-wide outing, make sure kid-friendly places are on the list. You should have a day in the park for a company picnic, or you could choose a place with an attached playground. Having some entertainment for their kids will help people feel like their lives are prioritized, and it'll support the idea of your company being a family-friendly and family-conscious environment.

8. Ensure they receive family benefits

Businesses have several options for the health insurance plans they offer their employees, all based on their location, so they can offer their employees the best possible plans for families. If possible, businesses can also offer stipends for families or offer assistance with fertility or adoption services. Aiding employees with their family funds can help employees understand they're valued.

9. Ask for advice

Unless you have kids of your own, you may need to take advice from the parents you work with. Routinely ask them what you can do differently and what you could do to support them. The parents in your office might have a few ideas for change, but they'll be glad you came to them to ask their opinions. Small actions can make people feel included and valued. You might just walk away with a new idea for the office.

10. Create support groups

People should know that they don't have to be alone. When people struggle with mental health issues or too many responsibilities, they need to know that people care. People inherently want to help their loved ones, but it can be difficult when they don't know they're struggling. You can create a support group for parents within the company, and it can turn into a safe space for parents who are struggling. Once you know that someone isn't doing well, you can do everything possible to help them out of a bad situation.

Value parents like anyone else

Above all, allowing your employees to feel valued and respected is a great way to retain them. Whether you have the power to make decisions or can only advocate for your coworkers who are parents, you can make a change at your workplace. Parents have a lot of stress on them, and anything that can be taken off their shoulders at the workplace might be a huge help to them. By making a few small changes, you can increase everyone's productivity at work and ensure they feel like they belong.