As summer comes to an end, many families face the the back-to-school season. For working parents, this period can bring excitement and challenges.

Maybe their child is starting primary school for the first time.

Maybe they are transitioning to secondary school, a new school or a new teacher.

Maybe their child is feeling anxious about their return to school.

Or maybe they just want to hold their child’s hand as they walk in the school gates.

If you’re a line manager, your support during this transition is crucial and can make a significant difference.

Offering support not only shows your commitment to the wellbeing of your employees and their families but also enhances engagement and productivity within your team.

Here are my top seven tips for fostering a supportive and family-friendly environment during the back-to-school season:

1. Embrace Empathy: Show genuine awareness and empathy for your working parents during this time. Be curious and compassionate about their experiences. Ask how they feel and what they need to navigate this period more smoothly.
2. Cultivate Open Conversations: Create a space for open dialogue, encouraging your working parents to share their needs and challenges. Be understanding and receptive. Listening with empathy builds trust and allows for co-creating solutions that effectively balance work and family obligations.
3. Facilitate Flexibility: School schedules often clash with work schedules. As a line manager, offering flexibility can make a significant difference. Can you provide adjusted working hours, remote working options, or empower employees to manage their work around family commitments? Your support helps working parents embrace their dual roles more gracefully.
4. Focus on Productivity, Not Presenteeism: Set clear expectations for project timelines and deadlines, allowing parents to plan their work and family commitments. Focus on productivity rather than presenteeism. Managing people’s energy (which is a better predictor of performance than time) can reduce overwhelm and uncertainty. Your willingness to empower productivity can transform the life of a working parent.
5. Reduce Non-Essential Load: Consider reducing non-essential meetings, emails, and communications during the first few weeks of school. This will help parents settle into new routines and prevent overwhelming workloads during an already busy time.
6. Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge important milestones in your employees’ lives, whether it’s a child’s first day of school, a transition, or simply returning to the school routine. A congratulatory message or flexible schedule adjustment fosters a positive and appreciative atmosphere.
7. Lead by Example: Encourage senior leaders and managers to lead by example. When employees see leaders prioritising family needs and achieving work-life balance, it creates a family-friendly culture that promotes the wellbeing of all team members.

Supporting working parents during the back-to-school season is an investment in your employees’ wellbeing and engagement, as well as your organisation’s success. By fostering a family-friendly culture, you demonstrate your commitment to your employees’ happiness and nurture a thriving, motivated workforce. Remember, small gestures of support can make a big difference in the lives of working parents and contribute to a positive company culture.

Please share with anyone who manages people in the workplace. Let’s ensure working parents receive the support they need most!