In today’s dynamic and highly competitive job market in the GCC region, the concept of parenthood is undergoing a transformative shift. For employees, juggling parenthood and a career has become increasingly challenging, while organisations are exploring creative and effective ways to attract and retain top talent by supporting them to find the right balance.
Progressive organisations that embrace and support parenthood are not only fostering a more inclusive and diverse workplace but also gaining a distinct advantage in creating a workplace where employees feel supported.
In this discussion, we delve into the strategies and best practices that enable companies to empower parents in their workforce, ultimately enhancing their appeal to the most sought-after professionals in the industry.
Adopting progressive corporate policies
While many organisations have evolved to normalise remote working after the COVID-19 pandemic, this has posed new problems related to team building and interpersonal skills that are essential for employees’ career and personal development.
On the other hand, physical presence in the office means parents have to find alternative means in terms of childcare support so they can focus on work. Progressive corporate policies provide broader flexibility beyond just remote work.
Some key features of such a flexible-work policy are that employees can take more time off than stipulated by the respective country’s labour regulations, or opt to work remotely as when required to be able to manage work and personal commitments.
For example, at WSO2, all Team Leads are HR leads and have the responsibility to manage HR matters pertaining to their respective team members. Focus is on output and overall performance, rather than an eye on the clock.
Leveraging technology to create collaboration and engagement
While technology has become a necessity today in enabling dispersed teams to be connected, communication platforms too have evolved to offer more comprehensive ways that support greater collaboration and engagement. It’s up to organisations to leverage these in a way that gives employees the same level of engagement irrespective of working remotely or in person.
For instance, open mail threads, chat groups, and shared documents to discuss strategy or brainstorm ideas will give all employees, whether remote or physically present, a fair chance to share their views and comments. In the end, collaborative work also produces more efficient and effective outcomes.
Creating a supportive work environment
Today, the need for comprehensive childcare support within an organisation extends far beyond the traditional concept of a creche for younger children. As working parents strive to balance their careers with the demands of raising school-aged kids, there is a growing urgency for employers to offer a broader range of childcare services that address these evolving needs.
Providing support for older children, such as assistance with school work and extracurricular activities, has become essential in promoting employee productivity and well-being. By recognising and addressing the challenges faced by working parents with children of all ages, companies can create a more inclusive and supportive work environment, ultimately fostering greater employee satisfaction and retention.
Such holistic childcare support not only enhances the work-life balance of employees but also reinforces a company’s commitment to its workforce’s overall welfare and development.
Positive experiences significantly contribute to the overall employee experience. For instance, WSO2 recently established a complete childcare facility at its Sri Lanka office, capable of accommodating children from 4 months to 15 years, addressing an urgent requirement as a majority of employees are at that stage of building families while focusing on career development.
In conclusion, as businesses compete for talent, they inevitably seek the reasons behind competitors’ success in attracting top skills. When they discover that employee experience extends to the support and empowerment of parents, it’s likely that other businesses will follow suit.
After all, “kindness is contagious.” By extending empathy and support to parents, businesses benefit not only the community but also their bottom line, creating a win-win scenario for all involved.
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