How to Help Employees Work from Home with Kids
The Challenge-
Dissolving Boundaries
With whole families quarantined, the boundaries for
workers are dissolving. In place of two transitions (home to work, work to
home), there are now multiple transitions (work, looking after a child, work,
preparing lunch, work, playing with an infant, etc.). Each transition adversely
affects concentration and productivity, and, ultimately, creativity.
Create a Work from Home Policy for All Employees
- Providing the proper technology
- Using a secure connection
- Creating a dedicated workplace
- Setting a clear expectation of communications, work schedules and processes
- Trusting the employees
Two Quick-Win Ideas to Adopt
Business
leaders have a new clarity that normal boundary management is not working, and
they are newly highly sensitized to work-from-home challenges. Three ideas
stood out that fall into the category of quick wins — meaning they are fast to
implement with few barriers or costs:
Empathize with each
employee’s context. Some companies
are creating deeper insights into the specific situations their workforces face
by surveying home workers. When they do so, they uncover a wide variety of
circumstances and stresses. Being a single person living and working under
quarantine is a very different experience than being a member of a working
family with young children. An immediate quick win was to create daily virtual
coffee breaks at 11:30 a.m and HR Leadership signaling that working unorthodox
hours is OK could make a real difference to their stress levels.
Convene like-minded
communities. Because home lives
come in many forms, people’s needs and the support they require are
idiosyncratic. One-size-fits-all responses will not work. That is why some
companies have created collaborative platforms that enable employees in similar
situations to find each other, to mentor and coach each other, and to share
ideas and interesting experiments. Just as important, the platforms enable
communities to channel their specific needs and ideas to management.
- Remote work policy
- Attendance policy
- Sick or PTO policy
- Communication policy
When COVID-19 hit last year, many companies required employees to work remotely. Schools and daycares closed across the country, with some closing for good. Working parents became teachers as their children logged into remote learning programs. Working remotely has both benefits and drawbacks. But when kids are involved, even the best employees and employers can become nervous.
Working from home with kids can be a success with a few adjustments and flexibility. Every setback is an opportunity to improve. Working from home with kids can become second nature for both parents and employers.
References
-New Messages! (glassdoor.com)
Available at : (online) Accessed on 23rd July 2021
https://www.glassdoor.com/employers/blog/support-wfh-parents-homeschooling-kids/
-How to Manage Working from Home with Kids - Tandem HR
Available at : (online) Accessed on 23rd July 2021
https://tandemhr.com/working-from-home-with-kids/
-How to Help Employees Work From Home With Kids (mit.edu)
Available at : (online) Accessed on 23rd July 2021
https://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/how-to-help-employees-work-from-home-with-kids/
-Working From Home With Kids: 5 Ways To Help Employees - Insperity
Available at : (online) Accessed on 23rd July 2021
https://www.insperity.com/blog/working-from-home-with-kids/
Awesome post with perfect guidelines for the employees who are willing to work from home and it has explained the supporting materials and techniques. very nice article. all the very best.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for your valuable comment Janarthan
DeleteInteresting and uncommon Topic. I do believe that Woman employees , specially faced with this circumstances in third world countries and cultural regions. agreed with your argument that , Not only the Employers and employees involved in this matter but the children as a third party threaten and victimized from all these processes. Very timely topic to further discuss.
ReplyDeleteExactly Oshadha, Most female employees face these difficulties. In particular, Asian countries, like us, have a cultural perspective that women should bear most of the family responsibilities. So there should be some sort of changes to HR policy considering the prevailing situation. Appreciate your valuable feedback.
DeleteHome working opens up a new range of possibilities for the way businesses can work and structure themselves. With the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, home working has given some employers the flexibility they need to continue their business operations while prioritizing staff and customer health and well being as part of their public health responsibility.
ReplyDeleteYou have given a new face to Work from home method and its a interesting one.
Thank you very much for your valuable feedback Umesh.
DeleteGreat topic that fits the current prevailing situation.
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree with you on your view as most of us faced the situation as Parents. The article was very interesting and I find it really useful for anyone who WFH.
Hi. Gangani, Thank you very much for your valuable comment.
DeleteVery interesting and essential topic to discuss Kanchana . In these times it's important to give our self’s allowances (Such as Break, Entertainment, hobby, having flexible work hours). These are anxious times. If employers put unnecessary pressure on WFH staff as you said even the best employees might not perform well. If employer can create some flexible adjustments to WFH method then WFH will be more effective than wasting time in traffic .
ReplyDeleteIt’s clear that many people working from home are really missing their colleagues and social networking. As you mentioned, we should have some sort of method to avoid the stress of WFH. Thank you Tharindu Reading and sharing your valuable comment.
DeleteWith the pandemic situation WFH become a high important topic. With government health regulations, travel banned and many other issues raised WFH is frequently talking within the working environment. As mentioned features, rules and regulation of WFH should be flexible for employees since many working parent facing practice issues in this platform.
ReplyDeleteThanks for facts to overcome a practical issue Kanchana.......
Thank you very much for your valuable comment Sunith.
DeleteDifferent topic Kanchana, HR has a major role to play in ensuring individual employees feel supported whilst everyone is having to adjust to new ways of working. Staff with kids will have very specific challenges to deal with, in addition to the other practical elements facing those who don’t normally work from home. HR should proactively address this
ReplyDeleteThank you, Nadun, for reading and sharing your comment!
DeleteVery timely topic ! A great way to support employees who are working from home with their kids is to provide opportunities for them to connect with their teams virtually. Social check-ins can improve morale and encourage their team to maintain good rapport while working apart. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteA topic that is on Lime light, with the present situation. Especially with women, it is quite challenging with the family commitment as a matter of fact its same for men also. Work from Home is the concept most companies have to adapt accordingly. With kids it is challenging but as employees we will have to resolve the challenge and work for the betterment of everyone. But we will have the flexibility to spend sometime with the kids and focus on the work for the most past. Its basically the balancing part. Thank You
ReplyDeleteWork from home will not be successful without having a proper plan . Planning a time to spend with your children gives everyone something to look forward to, which can prevent interuptions and frustration that can arise in the mid of Woking. Thankyou for sharing this timely article Kanchana.
ReplyDeleteThis is a topic that the Human Resources Department should address, as this new method of working has been arisen with the pandemic situation. A many working parents face lots of difficulties specially women in balancing the work and looking after kids. You have also describe the measures that be followed up to face this challenge balance both the work and kids. Thanking you for sharing this article as this is a timely topic.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Kanchana.
Hi Kanchan.WFH calls for the identical technique, in particular when you have kids at domestic who don't in reality take into account that you are operating and now not just sitting at the desk. take some time earlier than work to reflect onconsideration on your wfh day and plan it well. it'll pay off.
ReplyDeleteThis pandemic has become even more dangerous. The workplace is a vulnerable place to perform duties. As a result, WFH has become a habit for the majority of businesses. Employees with children, in particular, face a significant challenge. Employers should set up a flexible work schedule that includes all of the resources they require. The article is well defined. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSetting clear limits and guidelines for yourself, your children, and your employees will improve everyone's understanding of one another. Communicate your availability, including when you'll be turning off your computer for the day, when you'll be on vacation, and when you'll be away from your computer during the week. Delegate by taking on only what you know you can handle and delegating work that you can't.
ReplyDeleteWhile working at home, there are no easy solutions – but here are five ways you can help employees who may be working from home alongside their kids.
ReplyDelete1. Propose emotional support.
2. Focus on results over routines.
3. Reset communication expectations.
4. Reevaluate your HR policies.
5. Keep camaraderie alive
Thank you for sharing.
This is a bit uncommon topic. The shared thoughts are really attractive. Thanks for sharing this Kanchana.
ReplyDeleteIn the modern world, take caring the kids while manage with work is a challenging equation. Sometime less attention can be paid to one area. As a organization, introduce a strategic approach to guide the employee to manage both work and caring their kids will be an attractive activity.