In today’s episode of “Conversations that Connect,” hosts Naomi Moodie, Suki Stander, and Tayla Allan delve into the profound topic of balancing parenting and work. This discussion, titled “At the Heart of Work: What Do We Value Most?”, explores the different perspectives and challenges faced by working parents, employees, and employers. With insights from a recent LinkedIn poll and personal experiences, this episode sheds light on what truly matters in the workplace.

Introduction

Balancing work and parenting is a topic that resonates with many. Whether you are a parent, a child of working parents, an employer, or an employee, the challenges and values associated with managing these roles are universal. In this blog post, we explore the heart of what we value most at work and how these values shape our professional and personal lives.

The Importance of Flexible Working Arrangements

Poll Insights on Workplace Values

Earlier this week, we conducted a LinkedIn poll to understand what working parents value most when considering new job opportunities. The results were enlightening:

• Flexible Working Arrangements: 82%
• Family Values within the Organization: 9%
• Empathy within the Work Culture: 9%
• Approachable Management: 0%

The overwhelming preference for flexible working arrangements highlights the critical need for workplaces to accommodate the diverse needs of their employees.

Why Flexibility Matters

Suki Stander emphasizes, “Flexible working is the key to being able to juggle it all.” For parents, the ability to adjust work schedules to meet family needs is paramount. This flexibility allows parents to be present for their children while fulfilling their professional responsibilities. It’s not just about managing work hours; it’s about creating an environment where employees can thrive both at work and at home.

The Role of Empathy and Approachable Management

Empathy in the Workplace

Empathy within the work culture received 9% of the votes in our poll. Tayla Allan notes, “Empathy supports mental well-being and helps create a supportive environment.” Empathetic leaders understand that employees bring their whole selves to work, including their personal challenges and responsibilities. By fostering an empathetic culture, organizations can build loyalty and trust among their employees.

Approachable Management

Interestingly, approachable management received 0% in the poll. Suki explains, “If management is not approachable, it won’t even be a consideration.” This suggests that the presence of approachable management is a given in workplaces that prioritize flexibility and empathy. Employees expect their managers to be accessible and understanding, which is a fundamental aspect of a healthy work environment.

Family Values within the Organization

The Package Deal

Naomi Moodie shares, “Employing someone means employing the whole family package.” This perspective underscores the importance of recognizing that employees come with various responsibilities, such as school pickups, doctor’s appointments, and family emergencies. Organizations that value family life and provide support for these responsibilities create a more inclusive and productive work environment.

Building Loyalty through Family Support

Suki recounts a recent experience where Naomi had to evacuate due to bushfires. The immediate response from her team was, “Family’s first. Take care of yourself.” This incident highlights how supportive workplaces can foster loyalty. Employees who feel supported in their personal lives are more likely to be committed and engaged in their professional roles.

Balancing Transparency and Privacy

Navigating Personal Challenges

Suki discusses the dilemma of how much personal information to share with a new employer. For instance, an employee with a recurring medical issue might hesitate to disclose this during the hiring process. Tayla adds, “There’s a balance of how much information you give regarding your family and personal circumstances.” While transparency is important, employees should also feel secure in maintaining their privacy until they establish trust with their employer.

Creating Trust and Understanding

Building trust between employees and employers is essential. Naomi points out, “Genuine connection is crucial for a supportive work environment.” By creating an atmosphere where employees feel comfortable sharing their challenges, employers can better support their workforce and address any issues that may arise.

Recruitment and the Value of Personal Connections

The Misconception about Recruitment

Tayla highlights a common misconception about recruitment: “People think it’s very surface level and transactional, but there’s a lot of work that goes into understanding the person and the company.” Effective recruitment involves getting to know candidates on a deeper level to ensure a good fit with the organization’s values and culture.

Aligning Values for Success

Naomi emphasizes the importance of placing candidates in environments that align with their values. “Putting a family-oriented person in a job that requires long hours away from home is not sustainable.” By aligning candidates’ values with the right roles, recruitment can create lasting and fulfilling employment relationships.

Future Discussions on Parenting and Work

Upcoming Series on Parenting

Given the breadth of this topic, Suki, Tayla, and Naomi plan to continue the conversation in future episodes. They will explore different perspectives on parenting and work, including insights from employees, employers, and experts in the field. This series aims to provide a well-rounded view of the challenges and strategies for balancing work and family life.

Inviting Listener Participation

The hosts encourage listeners to share their thoughts and questions about parenting and work. Tayla says, “If you have any parent-friendly questions or if you’re an organization with questions, reach out to us.” By engaging with their audience, they hope to create a platform for meaningful discussions and solutions.

Conclusion

At the heart of work, what we value most is a supportive and empathetic environment that recognizes the whole person, including their family responsibilities. Flexible working arrangements, approachable management, family values, and empathy are key components of a workplace that nurtures loyalty and productivity. As we continue to explore the intersection of parenting and work, we invite you to join the conversation and share your experiences.

To stay updated on the latest discussions and gain more insights, be sure to listen to our full podcast episode of “Conversations that Connect.” Don’t forget to subscribe for future episodes packed with valuable advice and tips for navigating the world of work.

Key Takeaways

• Flexible Working Arrangements Are Crucial:

  The LinkedIn poll revealed that 82% of working parents prioritize flexible working arrangements when considering new job opportunities. Flexibility is essential for balancing work and family responsibilities.

• Empathy and Approachable Management Foster Loyalty:

  An empathetic work culture and approachable management are vital for creating a supportive environment. These elements help employees feel valued and understood, fostering loyalty and commitment.

• Aligning Values for Successful Recruitment:
  

  Effective recruitment goes beyond matching skills to job requirements. It involves understanding candidates’ values and ensuring they align with the organization’s culture. This alignment leads to more fulfilling and sustainable employment relationships.

If you have a burning topic you’d like to discuss, don’t hesitate to reach out at hello@montagu.com.au.

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