With employees’ responsibilities extending to their families, organizations must offer a supportive working environment which is healthy, inclusive, and psychologically safe.
Working parents are the busiest of all employees, as their office hours form just one-fourth of their total duty time. Interestingly, these double-duty caretakers tend to be more committed and productive than their peers. A LinkedIn study reports around 44% of working moms works outside their business hours to provide childcare. However, only half of the moms give themselves credit for bringing their mom skills like patience, multitasking, and efficiency to work, says a study by McKinsey. And one in four women is planning to downshift their career, as per another report by McKinsey with Lean In.
How can organizations provide a support system for the caretakers, who carry the double duty, to have a breather amid career focus? Here are a few handpicked measures and best practices:
Exhibit empathy: An integral part of expressing support is empathy and in this case, towards working parents or anyone who requires support. Research shows that an organization that takes care of the employees’ professional and personal well-being can garner higher productivity and commitment from the employees. It can create a long-term relationship with the organization. Encouraging and sensitizing leaders to become open and transparent with the employees and providing a safe space to share their challenges can ensure a strong bond between the organization and the employees.
Customize policies: One size never fits all— this is the principle based on which policy structures are curated in organizations. Customizing policies according to the need and requirements of people can empower them and provide them with the needed flexibility. It will help create a healthy culture that will lead to higher productivity and cultivate a sense of belonging in employees.
Measure productivity: Everyone should understand that the time spent in the office or office hours correlate to the productivity of an individual. When the quality of work is measured, the quantity should not be a factor unless it helps measure employee performance. Adopt an inclusive work style and ensure that the leadership team is sensitized for enabling an inclusive environment.
Enquire challenges: Show curiosity in knowing and acknowledging your employees’ challenges. One of the best policies or cultures an organization can foster is a safe psychological space to express views and opinions. A first-hand knowledge of the challenges faced by the group can help in crafting solutions, thereby saving time for trial-and-error methods.
