Top 4 Tips on How to Attract and Retain Working Parents

Being a working parent is about combining work and family responsibilities. More and more, employers are making the connection between support programs for working parents and retention statistics.

Here are 4 simple tips on attracting and retaining working parents. If you need assistance in creating your own programs, talk to us. We have the solutions.

• Offer programs and initiatives that help women through being pregnant and being at work. Typically, the first response to “I’m pregnant” is “Great, when is your due date?”  Why not say “Congratulations! We are really excited for you. We want to help you to be comfortable at work, help you organise your role before you go on leave, and welcome you back when you are ready.”  Working Parents Toolkit

• Offer a Parental Leave Program to ensure consistent practices across your organisation in the management of employees planning, taking, or returning from parental leave. This program should cover practical information on strategies, communication plans, and processes for how employees and managers can stay connected and engaged throughout the parental leave period. Parental Leave Program Toolkit | Return to Work Coaching Service
  
  
  
• Do you offer flexible work arrangements? Do you have a formal flexible work arrangements policy to give to your staff? More than ever, a flexible work policy is critical to your suite of HR policy documents. From 1 January 2010, eligible employees now have the right to request flexible work arrangements. Are you ready? Flexible Work Proposal Toolkit

• The first 12 months back at work is a make or break time for many parents. Not only has the shock of parenthood set in, but also the challenges of child care, sharing responsibilities, the commute, being a parent, looking after yourself, and managing your career. Support and encouragement are important and will pay dividends in the future. Working Parents Toolkit | Return to Work Coaching Service

We are HR specialists in the area of working parents and workplace flexibility. Our exclusive Toolkits are unique to the Australian market. Our Toolkits can be customised to suit your organisation and there are no on-going fees. Call us to organise an obligation free viewing of our Toolkits while you sit at your desk, no matter where you are. Contact us to make an appointment.