The first school term is coming to an end very quickly. After a rocky start to the school year with major weather events and teachers strikes, some of us may be feeling a little uneasy about juggling work and kids!
As a business owner with working parents in their team, managing their load and expectations during school holidays can be a challenging task. With many of us juggling work and family commitments, it's important to set realistic expectations and maintain open communication to ensure a smooth transition into the holiday season.
Here are some tips for managing those work expectations during school holidays:
Plan Ahead
Planning ahead is key to ensuring that everyone is on the same page during school holidays. Discuss expectations with your team well in advance and ask them to let you know if they anticipate any difficulties with their workload during this time. Consider adjusting your work schedules to accommodate employees with children, so they can balance their work and family commitments.
Be Flexible
Be flexible with your team's schedules during school holidays. Allow them to work from home if possible or adjust their hours to accommodate their needs. This will help reduce stress and ensure that everyone can balance their work and family commitments effectively.
Communicate Effectively
Effective communication is essential always, but especially during school holidays. Keep your team informed about any changes to the schedule, and make sure they understand what is expected of them during this time. Encourage your team to communicate with you if they are struggling to balance their work and family commitments.
Prioritise Workload
Prioritise the workload of your team during school holidays. Be realistic about what can be achieved during this time and don't overload your employees with work. Consider delegating tasks to other team members to reduce the workload of those with family commitments.
Encourage Time Off
Encourage your team to take time off during school holidays. This will allow them to spend quality time with their families and return to work refreshed and ready to tackle their workload. Consider offering flexible leave options, such as unpaid leave or the option to take annual leave in advance.
By implementing these strategies, you can ensure that your team can balance their work and family commitments effectively, resulting in a happier and more productive workplace.
