How to Create a Parent-Friendly Workplace: A Guide for Employers

Supporting parents in the workplace benefits both employees and employers. Research by Working Families and Bright Horizons found that 86% of employees said flexible working made them feel more valued, which in turn improved productivity and loyalty. Creating a parent-friendly workplace is no longer just a nice-to-have but a business imperative that helps attract and retain talent.

Here are some key steps employers can take to foster a supportive environment for parents:

Offer flexible working arrangements
Flexible hours, remote working, and part-time roles help parents juggle their responsibilities effectively. According to the UK Government’s Flexible Working report 2023, 73% of parents prefer jobs that offer flexible schedules, which reduces absenteeism and boosts morale.

Provide parental leave and return-to-work support
Ensuring employees have access to adequate parental leave and phased returns eases the transition back to work. Employers who support returners with training and mentoring improve employee retention rates by up to 50%, according to the CIPD.

Create a supportive culture
Encouraging open communication about family commitments and providing training for managers to support working parents fosters trust and engagement. A parent-friendly culture leads to higher employee satisfaction and lowers turnover.

Provide facilities for parents
Simple measures such as private spaces for breastfeeding and ensuring workplace safety for parents with young children demonstrate care and consideration.

Promote wellbeing initiatives
Wellbeing support including counselling and mental health resources are essential. Studies show that flexible working can reduce stress levels by up to 30%, helping parents maintain a healthy work-life balance.

By prioritising these strategies, employers can build a workforce that is engaged, loyal, and diverse, while helping parents to thrive both at work and at home.