Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, many working parents struggled to balance work and home life. As employees look ahead to life after the pandemic, the challenges of pulling double duty will likely remain. It will be vital for your company to discuss how to support working parents.

60% of working parents have no outside help in caring for and educating their children. *

Parents spend an additional 27 hours each week on household chores, child care and education on top of their pre-pandemic household responsibilities.* 

Consider the following ways to accommodate working parents. 

Expand remote work opportunities

Telework can be a way for working parents to get kids to school without worrying about an additional commute. It also allows parents more time with their young children. 

Embrace Flexible scheduling 

Employers may set designated “core” hours during which an employee must be working, but otherwise let employees work whenever they like. Alternatively, employers could allow employees to work any combination of days or hours to meet 40 hours. 

Communicate often and transparently  

Conversations about taking time off or flexing schedules show employees that their well-being is just as important as their performance. 

Offer generous PTO

A paid time off (PTO) bank policy where employees can use their time off for any reason could help parents feel prepared for the unexpected. 

Offer a robust EAP 

An employee assistance program (EAP) can help connect employees with the resources they need to improve a given situation, even if it’s their overall well-being. 

For a comprehensive review of your employee benefits contact us by CLICKING HERE or email us directly at group@insurewithcompass.com. Our local advisors can analyze your current employee benefit program to see if there is anything else you can do to support your working parents in a cost effective way.

*Source: Boston Consulting Group