As a working parent, I’ve always valued the importance of a supportive workplace that recognizes the needs of its employees with families. That’s why I’m grateful for the family-forward workplace policies at my current job which allow me to care for my daughters, ages 3 and 1, while also maintaining a fulfilling career.
My Experience As A Working Mom
For the last three years I’ve worked as an Account Expert for a cell phone provider. When my daughters were born, I knew that I wanted to be there for them, especially during their earliest years. But I also needed to work to support our family. Fortunately, my employer has been incredibly accommodating.
They’ve allowed me to work from home several days a week, which has given me the flexibility to balance my professional responsibilities with my child-rearing duties. I’m able to drop my children off and pick them up from daycare. On days when their daycare center is closed, I can keep them occupied at home while I work from home.
If I didn’t have a work-from-home option, I might have had to quit my job and look for something that was more conducive to my family’s needs. But because my employer was willing to work with me, I’ve been able to continue advancing in my career while also being present for my daughters.
On the days that I work from home, I’m able to enjoy lunch with my children and get our dinner started. Because I’m able to adjust my schedule when I need to take my children to their doctor appointments or if one of them is sick, I rarely miss work. I’m able to communicate with my supervisor who can then find other hours that my help is needed. This makes a difference for me because I’m able to give my children the care they need while also fulfilling my job responsibilities.
What Are “Family-Forward Policies”?
I know that not all employers are able to be as accommodating and that many working parents struggle to find a balance between their personal and professional lives. That’s why I believe that it’s so important for companies to adopt family-forward policies that prioritize the needs of their employees with families.
These policies may include things like
- Paid Leave
- Flexible Work and Scheduling
- Child Care
- Accommodations and Support for Pregnant/Breastfeeding Employees
By implementing these practices, companies can demonstrate their commitment to their employees’ well-being, while also improving employee retention and productivity.
In my experience, family-forward workplace practices aren’t just good for employees – they’re good for business. When companies prioritize their employees’ needs, they create a happier and more productive workforce. And when employees feel supported by their employers, they’re more likely to stay with the company for the long term.
As a working parent, I’m grateful for the family-forward policies that have allowed me to balance my career with my family responsibilities. And I believe that all working parents deserve the same opportunities to thrive in both their professional and personal lives.
Why Employees Look for Flexibility
Employees today are looking for more than just a paycheck – we want to work for companies that value their contributions and recognize the importance of our personal lives. By offering family-forward policies such as flexible schedules, remote work options, help with access to childcare, and paid parental leave, employers demonstrate their commitment to their employees’ well-being and help us achieve a better work-life balance.
If you’re an employer in Kansas, I urge you to consider adopting family-forward workplace policies. By doing so, you’ll not only be supporting the well-being of your employees and their families but also gaining a competitive edge in the job market. Adopting family-forward workplace policies can also benefit your business. By creating a happier and more engaged workforce, you’ll likely see increased productivity, reduced turnover, and higher employee morale.
If you want to help Kansas families thrive and gain a competitive edge in the job market, consider implementing family-forward workplace policies. Your employees – and your business – will thank you for it.
Andrea Aramburu is mom to daughters Sophia and Sade. She works as an Account Expert and is proud to be recognized as a Top Performer 4Xs by her employer. She is also a Winners Circle Award recipient, exclusively awarded to the company’s top 1% frontline-supporting performers. When not busy with work, she and her daughters enjoy gardening, swimming, going on walks and visiting a park near their Riverside home. When needing a mommy-break, you can find her at a casino trying her luck!
