3 leaders share their favorite parental benefits during the back to school season

September 6, 2024 5:30 AM

Mom helping daughter with backpack in front of school

When benefits and policies that support working parents exist in an organization, those employees are less likely to struggle.

Workers with school-aged children have recently gone through the changes in routine that accompany the beginning of a new school year, and figuring out things like transportation, before- and after-school child care and how to include extracurricular activities can put added strain on their already busy lives.

Nearly 40% of working parents cited balancing work and home responsibilities as their No. 1 point of stress, according to a survey from child care platform UrbanSitter. Financial strain was second — something compounded this time of year with additional bills of school supplies and other education-related costs. Caregiving issues, managing their household and their own mental or physical health were also on the list of concerns.

Flexible work schedules and various types of child care assistance are some of the top ways companies can help parents meet the needs of their families without sacrificing work performance, says Ethan Pease, managing attorney at Visionary Law Group. His firm offers multiple family benefits, and he notes their positive impact on its employees.

"Support like this is crucial because it reduces stress and allows working parents to focus on their jobs without worrying about logistical challenges," Pease says. "It leads to higher job satisfaction, productivity and work-life balance. Overall, these types of family-friendly policies create a supportive environment where working parents can thrive."

Depending on the industry or job, what works for some organizations, teams or individuals may not work for others, but there are many ways for employers to demonstrate support for all of their working parents. Figuring out the needs of their workforce will help determine which offerings will be most appreciated and inclusive. Surveys, all-hands and team meetings and feedback from employee resource groups can be great ways to determine parents' points of stress, and how to solve them.

"It's really important to support parents emotionally," says Stephanie Edenburgh, CEO of parenting platform Bizzie Mommy. "That's why I create a space where they feel they can talk openly about the challenges of balancing work and family, especially during transitions like back-to-school. I've always encouraged my team to share what's on their minds, and we collaborate to find solutions that keep work manageable while still honoring family commitments."

Pease and Edenburgh, in addition to Deepak Shukla, founder and CEO of digital marketing company Pearl Lemon Group, share the family benefits and policies that make a difference in the lives of parents at their companies.

Ethan Pease, managing attorney, Visionary Law Group

"One of our most valued programs is access to child care and backup care options. We partner with care providers to offer employees resources for finding and paying for care. Emergency backup care helps working parents on short notice when their regular care falls through or a child is sick.

We offer flexible work schedules and telecommuting options during the back-to-school season. This allows parents to adjust their hours or work from home when needed for school events, activities or emergencies.

We also provide supplemental stipends for education expenses like tutoring, after-school programs and school supplies."

Stephanie Edenburgh, CEO of Bizzie Mommy

"One of the main things I do is prioritize flexibility. I know firsthand how stressful the back-to-school season can be for parents. It's a time of shifting routines, and I've found that allowing my team to work around school drop-offs, pick-ups and even parent-teacher meetings makes a huge difference.

Child care is another big focus. While we don't offer direct stipends, I do what I can to connect parents with trusted local child care providers and programs."

Read more:

2024's Excellence in Benefits winners

Deepak Shukla, founder and CEO of digital marketing company Pearl Lemon Group

"Our remote-first culture allows parents to adjust their schedules as needed. This flexibility helps reduce stress and ensures they can be present for their children. We also encourage parents to allocate time during the day for caregiving responsibilities, knowing they can catch up on work at their convenience.

We offer an internal resource-sharing platform where parents can exchange trusted child care recommendations and resources.

We [also] offer access to wellness resources, including mental health support, recognizing the importance of managing work-life balance during this hectic time.

Supporting parents isn't just about work flexibility; it's about recognizing their dual roles and creating an environment where they don't have to choose between family and career."