During the back-to-school season rolls, working parents often find themselves juggling more than just their job responsibilities.
Coordinating school schedules, extracurricular activities, and ensuring their children are prepared for the new academic year, while exciting for most families, can be overwhelming for parents.
Employers have a unique opportunity here to step in and provide assistance to their employees during this time. As a result, this added support can lead to increased productivity and job satisfaction. Below, we will explore the various ways in which employers can provide valuable support to working parents, making the transition smoother for everyone involved.
Understanding the back-to-school challenge
The back-to-school season can significantly impact working parents’ schedules, stress levels, and productivity. With school drop-offs, pick-ups, and managing after-school activities, parents often find themselves stretched thin.
One of the main challenges during this time is time management. Parents must follow through with work commitments while also being there to cater to their children’s needs.
This can lead to increased stress and a feeling of being overwhelmed.
Additionally, the financial burden of back-to-school shopping and activities can add to parents’ stress.
When employers recognize and appreciate this struggle, they can play a crucial role in alleviating some of the pressure. By providing support in various forms, employers can enable parents to manage these challenges more effectively.
Strategies for employers
Flexible work schedules
One of the most effective ways employers can support working parents is by offering flexible work schedules.
In fact, a study by KinderCare found that 69% of working parents feel that they’ve been able to be more involved in their children’s lives due to having more flexibility at work.
Allowing parents to adjust their start and end times can help them manage school drop-offs and pick-ups more efficiently. Employers can also implement remote work options, giving parents the flexibility to work from home when needed.
Clear communication
Transparent communication is key. Employers should openly discuss the available support options and encourage employees to voice their needs. Regular check-ins and open-door policies can create a supportive environment where parents feel comfortable seeking help.
Providing resources
Employers can offer resources such as child care assistance or partnerships with local childcare providers. This can help parents manage their childcare needs without compromising their work commitments. Additionally, providing access to educational resources for children can ease the back-to-school transition.
Employers can also help working parents with purchasing all of the various school supplies and different items they may need for the new school year, which can end up being significantly costly.
Employers can support working parents by assisting with the purchase of various school supplies and items needed for the upcoming school year, which can become quite expensive. In fact, last year, the average household spent nearly $900 on supplies, clothing, and other school-related expenses.
Tools and resources
Child care assistance
It’s no secret that childcare has become ridiculously expensive — indeed, families spend an average of 24 percent of their income on childcare expenses, according to Care.com’s 2024 Cost of Care Report.
Meanwhile, a report by LendingTree found that parents have seen an average annual increase of 41% in child care costs for center-based services.
Employers can offer child care assistance programs or subsidies to ease the financial burden on parents. Partnering with local childcare providers or offering on-site childcare can make a significant difference.
Educational resources
Providing access to educational resources, such as online learning platforms or tutoring services, can help parents support their children’s academic needs. Employers can collaborate with educational organizations to offer discounts or free resources.
At My Private Professor, we partner with corporations to do just that. By providing working parents with a unique perk that supports their children — free and discounted online tutoring — we enable employers to empower their staff. This support helps parents manage their time more effectively, allowing them to realize their full professional potential.
Employee assistance programs (EAPs)
EAPs can provide valuable support for working parents by offering counseling services, stress management resources, and work-life balance programs. These services can help parents cope with the challenges of the back-to-school season effectively.
Final thoughts
Supporting working parents during the back-to-school season is not just a compassionate move; it’s a strategic one. Employers who invest in their employees’ well-being will see increased productivity, job satisfaction, and loyalty. By implementing flexible work schedules, providing resources, and fostering a supportive environment, employers can make a significant positive impact.
If you’re looking for more ways to support your employees, consider partnering with our company. We offer a range of services designed to help employers provide the best possible support for their workforce. Contact us today to learn more and start making a difference in your employees’ lives.
