As the cost of childcare continues to rise and more parents are balancing work and family responsibilities, it’s important for studios to provide supportive measures for employees with school-age children. Offering flexible working options and other benefits can help employees manage their work and childcare commitments, leading to increased job satisfaction and productivity.
Flexible Working Arrangements
Flexible working arrangements are one of the most effective ways to support employees with school-age children. This can include:
- Compressed Hours: Allow employees to work a full-time schedule over fewer days, such as four days a week. This can help parents align their work hours with their child’s school hours.
- Flexible Start and Finish Times: Offer flexible start and finish times to accommodate drop-off and pick-up schedules. This can be particularly helpful during school holidays or when children have after-school activities.
- Part-Time Work: Consider part-time employment options for employees who need to reduce their working hours to care for their children.
- Job Sharing: Explore job-sharing arrangements where two employees share the responsibilities of a single full-time position. This can provide flexibility for both employees and help them balance their work and family commitments.
Childcare Support
Offering childcare support can be a valuable benefit for employees with school-age children. This can include:
- Childcare Vouchers: Offer childcare vouchers or subsidies to help employees offset the cost of childcare. This can be a flexible option that allows employees to choose the childcare arrangement that best suits their needs.
- On-Site Childcare: If feasible, consider providing on-site childcare facilities. This can be a convenient and cost-effective option for employees.
Time Off
It’s important for employers to offer sufficient time off to allow employees to attend to their child’s school-related activities. This can include:
- School Holidays: Ensure that employees have adequate time off during school holidays to spend time with their children.
- Parent-Teacher Meetings: Provide paid time off for employees to attend parent-teacher conferences or other school-related events.
- Term Time Breaks: Consider offering flexible working arrangements or additional time off during term time breaks to accommodate school-related activities.
Communication and Support
Open communication and support are essential for helping employees balance their work and family responsibilities. Employers should:
- Encourage Open Dialogue: Create a workplace culture where employees feel comfortable discussing their childcare needs and challenges with their managers.
- Provide Support Resources: Offer information and resources about local childcare options, parenting support groups, and other relevant services.
- Offer Flexible Policies: Review and update company policies to ensure they are supportive of employees with school-age children. This includes policies on flexible working, parental leave, and time off for school-related activities.
This back-to-school period is a great opportunity for your studio to review its policies for employees with school-age children. Take the time to show support for staff who are parents, and you will be rewarded with increased employee satisfaction, loyalty and productivity.
Read Empower Up’s guide to Parenting, Childcare and Caring here.
