Guest article by Mimi Nicklin, CEO and author of Softening the Edge
Abstract: Mimi Nicklin understands the unique challenges that mums face when balancing their professional and personal lives, particularly in the context of remote working. By sharing these top tips and experience-driven insights, she hopes to empower parents and leaders to use their own self-empathy to thrive in their careers and motherhood.
Summer holidays are a time for relaxation, fun, and family bonding. But for many working parents, especially mothers, the summer break can also be a very challenging period. With children off school for weeks on end, parents are faced with the almost impossible task of perfecting the juggle between their professional responsibilities and their family needs.
The Strain of Summer Holidays
While children look forward to the summer break, many working parents dread the challenge of finding suitable childcare arrangements or planning activities to keep their kids occupied and smiling. This can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and financial strain, as parents scramble to find solutions that meet their family’s needs without compromising their working day. The pressure to create memorable summer experiences for their children also leaves us parents feeling guilty as we balance the priorities for everyone each day.
The Importance of Flexible Work Arrangements Led By Empathetic Leaders
Empathetic organisations play a significant role in supporting working parents during the summer holidays by offering flexible work arrangements and a deeper understanding of the reality staff are working within. This might include allowing employees to work from home, offering part-time or reduced hours, or providing the option to take unpaid leave.
By giving parents more control over their work schedules, they can better manage their childcare needs and ensure a more trusted and engaged relationship between the employee and their company over time. It allows them to put life first, always – a philosophy that has shaped the organisational culture we’ve built at my company, Freedm, and one I believe is key to balancing your professional and personal commitments. The holidays don’t last forever but the impact of empathy on morale, loyalty and performance, will.
Mimi Nicklin is the Founder and Chief Executive of global ad agency Freedm, host of the MimiYouYou podcast, & best-selling author of Softening the Edge. For more information on how the skillset of empathy can help you at work and at home please visit www.empathyeverywhere.co or follow Mimi at @miminicklin on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and LinkedIn. Tune in to her top storytelling podcast via @mimiyouyoushow on Instagram to hear the honest and truly inspiring stories of working moms and more from around the world.
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