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10 Ways A Company Can Support New Parents In The Workplace

The well-being of employees extends beyond the mandated benefits such as medical insurance and paid leave and encompasses mental health, social relationships, balanced lifestyle and a healthy family life. According to recent statistics, nearly 80% of employees consider employer-provided family support programs as a crucial factor in their decision to stay with a company. One of the key elements of family friendly work policies is the support provided to expectant and new parents through their parenthood journey. Companies that prioritize family friendly work policies create an environment that not only enhances employee satisfaction, but also contributes to their long-term success.

As Maya Angelou once wisely stated, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” By embracing and implementing family friendly practices, organizations have the opportunity to make a profound impact on the lives of their employees and their families and to foster a culture of inclusivity, loyalty, and productivity.

Flexible Working Hours

Numerous studies have shown how flexible working hours lead to reduced absenteeism, greater gender workforce diversity and enhanced productivity, job satisfaction and retention. Flexible working hours are crucial as a support mechanism for expectant and new parents while they adjust to their newly changing circumstances and altered home routines. The pregnancy and postnatal period is especially tough and marked by constant changes – there are prenatal appointments, pregnancy discomforts and issues and later on in the postnatal phase there are late-night feeds, pediatrician appointments, and adjustments to the baby’s schedule. Offering flexible working hours can greatly accommodate these shifting personal commitments. Flexibility that allows employees to begin and end their workdays at varying times or attend to critical personal commitments during the day can be instrumental in helping them maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Remote Working Opportunities

The second stage of parenthood, much like the prenatal stage of monitoring fetal growth and development, requires time for new parents to observe and understand their baby’s patterns and needs. Offering the possibility of remote work is another powerful way companies can support new parents. Working from home eliminates commuting time and reduces the disruption of a new parent’s altered schedule, allowing them to be present for their newborn’s needs while also fulfilling their professional responsibilities.

Parental Leave Policies

Employers can create a nurturing environment for new parents by establishing strong parental leave policies. Maternity and paternity leaves are important, with both parents given ample time to bond with their newborn and adapt to their new roles. Progressive policies that extend beyond the statutory minimum signal a company’s commitment to the well-being of its employees and their families.

On-site Childcare

Access to reliable and quality childcare can greatly ease the worries of working parents. Providing on-site childcare services not only saves commuting time to a separate daycare facility, but also allows parents to visit their children during breaks, reducing separation anxiety and enhancing the parent-child bond. This convenience can significantly improve employee satisfaction and loyalty.

Lactation Rooms

Many new mothers continue breastfeeding upon their return to work. A private, clean, and comfortable lactation room provides these mothers a supportive environment to pump and store breast milk during the workday. This support aligns with the broader objective of postnatal care and recovery, ensuring mothers can meet their breastfeeding goals without undue stress or inconvenience.

Parenting Resources

Adjusting to life with a newborn can be challenging. By offering resources such as seminars on parent-child bonding, child development, or balancing work and parenting responsibilities, companies can provide practical and emotional support. These resources, much like the ones provided by healthcare professionals during prenatal care, can prove invaluable for new parents navigating uncharted territory.

Employee Assistance Programs

Becoming a parent is a joyful yet challenging transition that can lead to increased stress and anxiety. Offering employee assistance programs (EAPs) can go a long way in supporting new parents. These programs often include mental health resources, counseling, and other support services designed to help employees manage personal issues that might adversely affect their work performance, health, and well-being.

Insurance Benefits

Navigating the world of maternity insurance can be a daunting task, much like the journey of new parenthood. In light of this, organizations can support their employees by offering comprehensive insurance plans covering both the parent and child’s healthcare needs. This gesture not only provides financial security, but also signals the company’s commitment to the well-being of its employees and their families.

Training for Managers and Teams

According to a recent study in the UK, approximately 80% of mothers believe that support from their line managers is crucial during the transition to parenthood and when returning to work. Line manager support can make a significant impact on the work environment and success of working mothers. Training managers and teams in support and sensitivity towards working mothers is crucial for an inclusive work environment. It equips them with knowledge about the challenges faced by working mothers and how to provide appropriate support. This includes educating them on mothers’ needs, work-life balance, communication, and flexibility. Addressing biases and promoting respect and empathy are also key. Such training creates an inclusive workplace that values working mothers, boosting satisfaction, retention, and productivity.

Create Multiple Support Options

In the same vein as community and social support provided during prenatal care, the creation of multiple support options will provide new parents with reassurance and confidence and make the transition back to work smoother. Comprehensive support platforms like Veira Life ensure holistic, broad based, personalised support throughout the parenthood journey in a timely manner. Workplace support groups and parents networks provide a place where employees can share experiences, advice, and perhaps even childcare tips. By encouraging even establishing various support groups and support options, companies can foster an inclusive community that supports its members through their new journey.

Conclusion

Supporting new parents at the workplace, much like the emphasis on prenatal care, is essential for cultivating a healthy work environment. By adopting these practices, organizations can help foster employee loyalty, improve job satisfaction, increase productivity, and reduce turnover. In short, companies that take care of their employees often find that their employees take care of the business in return.

Supporting Moms and Dads at Work. Swipe & Learn!

How can Veira Life help?

At Veira Life, we are dedicated to supporting new parents during their transition into parenthood, both in their personal lives and professional careers. We recognize the significance of this transformative journey and offer a range of services designed to help new parents thrive in all aspects of their lives.

Through our comprehensive programs and expert guidance, we provide expectant and new parents with the tools and resources to navigate the transition into parenthood with confidence and planning. Our Veira Partners program offers tailored solutions to companies seeking to enhance their employee wellness initiatives, with a particular focus on prenatal and postnatal support.

By partnering with Veira Life, the organization can tap into our expertise and leverage our resources to implement a holistic approach to supporting new parents in the workplace. Our programs provide comprehensive information, coaching and support services for new parents.

We believe that by creating an environment of empathy, understanding, and support, organisations can foster a positive and inclusive culture where new parents can thrive both personally and professionally. Our aim is to assist companies in building a strong foundation for employee well-being and work-life integration.

We invite organisations to explore the benefits of our Veira Partners program and join us in championing the well-being of new parents. Together, we can create an environment that values the unique needs and experiences of employees as they navigate the beautiful journey of parenthood.

Contact us for a demo and to learn more about how we can support your organization in creating a nurturing and supportive environment for new parents. Let us be your partner in fostering a workplace culture that celebrates and supports the joys and challenges of parenthood.

FAQs

How can you support new parents at the workplace?

Here are some ways to support new parents at the workplace:

Offer flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting or flextime.

Provide on-site childcare or help with finding affordable childcare.

Create a supportive work environment that is empathetic towards the challenges new parents face.

Transition support – provide support to new parents transitioning from parental leave back to work.

How do working moms manage?

Set realistic expectations: Don’t try to do it all. It’s okay to ask for help.

Delegate tasks: Get your partner, family, and friends involved.

Prioritize: Decide what’s most important and focus on that.

Take breaks: Don’t try to work non-stop. Take some time for yourself each day.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to ask for help from your boss, colleagues, HR, or a therapist.

What are the challenges of working parents?

Here are some of the challenges of working parents:

Juggling work and family commitments
Finding affordable childcare
Balancing work-life balance
Feeling guilty about not being able to spend enough time with their children<
Dealing with stress and burnout

How do I manage my work after having a baby?

Prioritize tasks, delegate when possible. Set a flexible routine. Communicate with your employer for understanding and support. Use childcare options if needed. Don’t forget self-care, and be patient.

10 Ways A Company Can Support New Parents In The Workplace

Flexible Working Hours

Remote Working Opportunities

Parental Leave Policies

On-site Childcare

Lactation Rooms

Parenting Resources

Employee Assistance Programs

Insurance Benefits

Training for Managers and Teams

Create Multiple Support Options

Conclusion

How can Veira Life help?

FAQs

Table of Contents

Categories

Navigating the Transition: Returning to Work with Confidence as a New Mom

Feel empowered to make the best decisions for you and your baby.

10 Ways A Company Can Support New Parents In The Workplace

Flexible Working Hours​

Remote Working Opportunities

Parental Leave Policies

On-site Childcare

Lactation Rooms

Parenting Resources

Employee Assistance Programs

Insurance Benefits

Training for Managers and Teams

Create Multiple Support Options

Conclusion

How can Veira Life help?

FAQs

Table of Contents

Categories

Tags

Navigating the Transition: Returning to Work with Confidence as a New Mom

Feel empowered to make the best decisions for you and your baby.

Flexible Working Hours