Create a parent-friendly culture
This should be the easiest step to kick off your action plan. However, the reality is that it takes real and sustained effort to create a culture which embraces working parents.
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1. Get the basics right and be inclusive
Creating a parent friendly culture is independent of the policies or benefits your organisation may or may not provide. However, it’s vital inclusivity is integral to all your behaviour. This needs to be reflected in everything you do, but shouldn’t be just words in documents, it needs to be reflected in actions across your organisation.
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2. Be noisy!
Ask about people’s children, learn your colleagues’ kids’ names, remember World Book Day is always going to be a stressful one. Ask about people’s childcare arrangements before booking in a 5pm meeting. Normalise the fact that being an employee and parent is a great thing.
Read more about the importance of Parenting Out Loud here.
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3. Lead by example
You can have the greatest policies and benefits in place for working parents but all the evidence shows that, unless managers champion them, then they will not be effective. This is particularly true when it comes to gender equality, it’s so important that male leaders are noisy about the benefits of being working parent and being available for family at the times that matter.
Case study: Aviva
Aviva offers ring-fenced leave for fathers to normalise dads taking leave after the birth or adoption of a child. This has been promoted through story-telling and role-modelling within the business, with senior male leaders talking about their time off work and encouraging colleagues to take advantage of the same benefits.
Why this matters
By providing support and resources, alongside flexibility and choice, employers will not only be boosting the wellbeing and productivity of their colleagues, they will also be contributing to a society which is better positioned to take on the challenges of the future.
Related actions
