Holiday hacks: How to best support your employees during the school holidays

by Chris Ronald, VP EMEA B2B, Incentives, Rewards & Benefits, BHN

25 October 2024 - The school holidays may mark the favourite moment of the year for vast numbers of teachers and children across the UK, but for parents, the reaction can be much more complicated. According to recent research, every summer, UK families can spend up to £1,700 extra per month on childcare. As the half-term holidays draw to a close and Christmas looms large, the financial burden of childcare is likely placing further strain on household budgets. And the issues school holidays present are not just monetary. Many parents struggle to balance the demands of work with the need for quality time with their loved ones.

During these moments, employers have a unique opportunity to alleviate this stress and demonstrate their commitment to employee wellbeing. From flexible working to childcare support, employers can utilise family-friendly policies to create a culture in which parents feel not only supported but uplifted.

Flexible working: A right, not an option

Things have changed in the UK over the last few years. Flexible working is no longer just an option, but a legal right, and Labour’s recently passed Employee Rights Bill see policies such as a four-day work week introduced, and a right to switch off potentially pending. These days, investing in flexible policies is not just a moral win but a legal requirement and crucial for business success. According to research from BHN, for most employees, flexibility is the top priority. In fact, 32% of people say that flexible working locations are contributing to their reasons to seek out new employment.

Such things are especially relevant when we think about supporting working parents. By offering flexible work arrangements that both comply with and often go beyond what is legally required, employers can create a positive work environment that attracts and retains top talent and allows working parents to be more productive during the hours they are at work.

Compressed work weeks are one example of how employers can offer flexible working arrangements. For example, working four 10-hour days instead of five 8-hour days can provide parents with more flexibility and time to spend with their families during the school holidays, and also save on childcare.

Giving employees the option of remote and hybrid work can also be a lifeline to working parents during the holiday periods. This provides parents with the option of which days they need to use childcare, and gives them more freedom over their schedule, which encourages a healthy work life balance.

Promoting the power of voluntary benefits

Voluntary benefits are also great options for employers who want to support their employees who are parents, but they’re not sure where to start. There will rarely be a benefit that fits what everyone wants, so it’s important for businesses to offer their employees a range of options to fit their lifestyle. For working parents, this can often come in the forms of work perks such as discounted gift cards, cashback cards or salary sacrifice schemes to make savings and spread the cost of home furnishings and tech.

Cashback cards such as bYond, from BHN Extras can help to offset the costs associated with school holidays, offering discounts at supermarkets, clothing stores and restaurants. Using perks of this style can help to support parents in moments when regular outgoings increase by supporting their overall financial wellbeing. Discounted gift cards are another immediate way to reduce costs for a day out with the kids or other shopping needs.

Creating a supportive culture

Open lines of communication with employees to understand their needs and challenges during the school holidays should also be an essential part of the work environment. Creating a safe space of empathy and support to those employees who may be facing financial or childcare-related difficulties won’t only be greatly appreciated by your employees, but your business will also see a benefit.

Employers should also consider how this attitude should extend beyond the school holidays. By embedding flexible working schedules all year round, parents will not feel singled out during school holiday moments when childcare needs are more acute. Businesses should consider how blended working days, flexible hours and the ability to work from home all the time can create a culture in which parents never have to worry about weighing up professional and parenting responsibilities.

Happy employees are productive employees

As half-term draws to a close and many already plan for the Christmas school break, it is worth businesses stopping to assess whether their policies are as family friendly as they could be. By taking a look at flexible working policies, a business culture and the benefits they provide, employers can take easy steps to create a more supportive working environment for parents during the school holidays and beyond. This not only promotes work-life balance and the wellbeing of employees but will be crucial for business success and compliance throughout the rest of 2024 and beyond. This not only benefits employees but also contributes to a more productive and engaged workforce, ultimately driving business success.

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