With the school year set to begin in just a few days, working parents are once again adjusting their routines to accommodate their children’s academic schedules. This shift can add stress as they balance work obligations with school responsibilities. Peninsula Canada, an HR consultancy firm, advises that employers should anticipate an increase in time-off requests and potential absenteeism during this time.
Olivia Cicchini, an HR and employment law expert at Peninsula Canada, emphasized the importance of creating a family-friendly workplace to support employees and ensure smooth business operations.
“It’s crucial for employers to create a family-friendly workplace to support employees and to ensure the business continues to run smoothly,” Cicchini said. She noted that such an environment can foster a more inclusive workplace, boost productivity, and improve the overall wellness of employees and their families.
Peninsula Canada also highlights the benefits of flexible work arrangements, especially for working parents. Flexible work allows parents to meet their children’s needs without compromising their job responsibilities. The consultancy firm suggests that if both the employer and employee have clear expectations, they can work together to achieve the same goals, even if the work is done differently or on an adjusted schedule.
The firm acknowledges that not all businesses can offer permanent flexible work arrangements, but suggests that temporary flexibility during the adjustment period at the start of the school year could demonstrate care for employees. This approach, Peninsula Canada suggests, could positively impact employee morale.
Additionally, Peninsula Canada recommends that employers consider offering wellness benefits, such as mental health days and employee assistance programs (EAP), to help reduce the stress of the back-to-school season and help employees remain focused at work.
The consultancy advises employers to prepare for an increase in last-minute time-off requests and stresses the importance of having clear and precise policies in place to handle such situations, ensuring that business operations can continue smoothly even when employees are absent.
Peninsula Canada also reminds employers of their duty to accommodate employees, up to the point of undue hardship, and underscores the importance of supporting staff during the back-to-school season to maintain productivity and prevent potential discrimination claims.
