National Work/Life Week
I have been a working parent for as long as I have been a parent and I know how stressful it is to juggle work and family responsibilities, so achieving work-life balance is highly essential for positive well-being. I know first-hand how tough it can be to try and keep a harmonious balance with all aspect of life, both professionally and personally, but there are many tips, resources, and tools readily available to help.
As Hasson Associates’ Operations Manager, I believe that all employers play a vital role in supporting working parents, especially as they are a significant portion of the UK’s workforce. Having a supportive company culture is invaluable! From flexible and remote working arrangements to paid parental leave, Hasson Associates continuously evaluate ways in which we can support its employees to ensure they feel fully fulfilled and engaged when focusing on work related tasks. Supporting working parents not only benefits the individual employee but will also enhance the company’s morale, retention, and overall productivity.
Here are my top tips on managing the work/life balance from both a working parent perspective, and as Hasson Associates’ Operations Manager.
As a working parent:
Set Boundaries!
Establish a clear divide between work and personal time.
Time Management:
Utilise calendars/planners or apps to keep track of schedules and help prioritise tasks at work and at home.
Communicate:
If you are feeling overwhelmed with work demands whilst managing family responsibilities, communicate with your employer and ask for help – Explore flexible working arrangements if possible.
Establish a support system:
Reach out to family, friends, or support groups to share your feelings and challenges.
Learn to say no!
Don’t over commit yourself. It’s ok to decline extra work or social obligations.
As the Operations Manager:
Consider offering flexi work arrangements:
Whether it be remote, flexible hours or part time working – allowing these small adjustments can significantly help alleviate working parent’s stresses, making them more productive and loyal to the business in the long term.
Transparent communication:
Clearly communicate all parental leave policies, benefits, entitlements, and resources to support your employee.
Encourage work-life balance:
Discourage excess overtime and a culture of constant work and encourage employees to take breaks and annual leave.
Have compassion:
Be understanding. Working parents should be valued and have the support and opportunity to thrive both personally and professionally.
Remember that work-life balance is a continuous process that requires regular evaluation and adjustments from both parties.
Resources for working parents: