First published on Thursday, September 5, 2024
Last updated on Thursday, September 5, 2024
As summer fades and the back-to-school season begins for many families across Canada, it's not just students who may be facing new challenges—many of your employees will also be adjusting to a new routine.
This time of year can bring increased stress and responsibilities for working parents as they strive to balance work and life, changing schedules at home, early morning school orientations, pickup and drop-offs, and other demands that come with having school-age children.
As an employer, you'll likely get more requests for flexible work options, early finishes and other accommodations. If you're looking for ways to help your team navigate this transition smoothly whilst maintaining high productivity, here are some tips to ensure your workplace is well-prepared for the back-to-school season:
Consider offering flexible working options where possible
One of the ways you can support your employees during this period is by offering flexible working hours where it won’t cause undue hardship to your business.
Adjusting start and finish times or allowing staff to work from home a few days a week can make it easier for them to meet their responsibilities and promote a healthier workplace culture. This can help parent handle school drop-offs, pick-ups, and the occasional unplanned school event without worrying about how it might affect their jobs.
Effective people management software makes managing flexible work schedules easier than ever. When considering software packages, choose one that allows employees to log hours, request time off, and track their shifts remotely. Leveraging the right software can help ensure that your team stays on track while giving staff with parental responsibilities a bit more freedom.
Encourage open communication
Some challenges with the back-to-school season are more invisible and might be harder for employers to anticipate. For example, some parents may find themselves more distracted, wondering how their kids are faring at school, or worrying about how whether their employer or coworkers see them as less productive or dedicated to their tasks.
One way to address such concerns is through clear communication. Encourage your employees to talk openly about any challenges or concerns they might have. Promoting a culture where staff feel comfortable discussing personal needs creates an environment of trust and support.
You can also facilitate communication by building interpersonal relationships and showing interest in how employees’ children are doing in school, paying attention to what they say, and offering reassurance about their quality of work.
Implement absence management policies and procedures
The back-to-school season is a good time to review your company's HR policies, especially those related to time off, flexible working, and absence management. It'll greatly ease your burden to know you have proper procedures for employees to follow when they need to request adjustments to their schedules.
September can be unpredictable, especially for parents. From sick days to last-minute school meetings, your employees might need to take time off on short notice. Having a clear absence management policy in place and making sure your policies are clear, up-to-date and reflect the needs of your workforce can help prevent any disruptions these accommodations may cause.
If you're unsure what policies you need or need help creating new ones, our document library BrightBase provides unlimited access to hundreds of up-to-date, customizable HR templates to help your business stay organized and compliant.
Support work-life balance
Going back to school is a significant adjustment for both children and parents. While your team might be doing their best to balance work and family, it's essential to check in with them regularly.
It's easy for working parents to face mental health challenges and burnout, which can negatively affect their productivity. Offering resources like Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), workshops, and seminars on time management strategies can help them create an optimal work-life balance. It shows that you value your employees' well-being and are committed to helping them achieve a good work-life balance.
It can also help to offer additional support, like childcare services, during emergencies.
Our health & safety platform BrightSafe, offers a range of resources like mental health checklists, e-learning courses and expert advice to help employers provide support to employees who may be struggling.
Final thoughts
Back-to-school season can be challenging for working parents and employers, but with the right support, it doesn't have to disrupt your business. By considering flexibility, communicating openly, and ensuring your policies are employee-friendly, you'll help your team manage their work and home lives effectively.
BrightHR is here to help you navigate these transitions easily—our people management tools ensure your business stays organized and compliant, no matter the season.
