How can insurance companies better support working parents in the years after they have children?
In a world where the traditional work model is increasingly at odds with the realities of modern parenting, Jess Heagren, founder of Careers After Babies, is championing change when it comes to how we approach work-life balance.
Key Takeaways:
- The current work system is broken and fails to accommodate the needs of modern families, contributing significantly to burnout and gender inequality in the workplace.
- Progressive organisations that offer flexibility and support for working parents see improved productivity, employee satisfaction, and financial performance.
- Redefining ‘good’ in work-life balance is crucial, moving away from societal expectations to find unique solutions that work for individuals and families.
Jess’s research and approach really got me thinking about what ‘good’ looks like for working parents and employers alike. As a business owner and parent, I know that the current system is fundamentally broken.
The current work culture, designed around outdated societal norms, fails to accommodate the needs of modern families. This misalignment is not just a personal issue; it’s a significant driver of gender inequality in the workplace, particularly evident in the widening pay gap between ages 30 and 40 – prime years for both career advancement and starting a family.
But it’s not all doom and gloom for working parents. Progressive insurance businesses are recognising that flexibility and support for working parents isn’t just an employee benefit – it’s business critical. Companies that embrace a culture of authenticity, allowing employees to bring their whole selves to work, are reaping the rewards in terms of productivity, employee satisfaction, and financial performance.
Jess’s awesome Careers After Babies accreditation program is at the forefront of this change, offering a framework for organisations to evaluate and improve their support for working parents. This is not about ticking boxes; it’s about fundamentally rethinking how we structure work to fit the lives of real people with real responsibilities outside the office.
The key to success lies in redefining what ‘good’ looks like – not just for organisations, but for individuals and families. It’s about moving away from societal expectations and finding a balance that works for each unique situation. This might mean shared parental responsibilities, flexible working hours, or career paths that ebb and flow with life’s demands.
It’s crucial to remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The goal isn’t to be everything to everyone, but to create environments where people can thrive both personally and professionally. It’s about fostering a culture where it’s okay to have bad days, where personal challenges are met with understanding rather than judgment, and where success is measured by more than just hours logged in the office.
This conversation is just the beginning. How can we revolutionise the workplace for working parents? Listen to the full podcast episode with Jess Heagren on “Changing the Conversation: The People in Insurance”.
