By Zachary S. Sielicky
Fall 2020’s Back-To-School hasn’t been the “jump for joy” moment that many parents typically feel. Across the nation, school districts are pushing back the start of the year, embracing distance learning, and finding workable options to keep students and teachers safe as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Each school district is doing something different, and many parents aren’t given a choice of how students are getting their education.
In response, many companies are continuing work-from-home initiatives and allowing a more flexible schedule for their employees. Gone is the 9-to-5, Monday-through-Friday workweek, and instead, many parents are given more flexible options to complete their tasks while balancing helping children with lessons, acting as caregivers for smaller children or an elderly relative, and still giving their best for their employer.
Working from home, especially for those who aren’t used to it or for businesses that rely on collaboration and teams, can be challenging without adding in extra responsibilities. Many parents were challenged in the spring to finish out the year by fitting remote learning around meetings and other company requirements, and these challenges are back for the fall.
With dozens of childcare centers, especially early learning ones, throughout the area closing, there is an increasing challenge for parents to find childcare as their offices gradually reopen.
Companies throughout the area have been responsive, allowing more flexible schedules, adding extra personal and sick days, and even offering remote “day camps” to help children stay engaged and entertained as parents work.
Each business is different, and there are some instances where participation in certain meetings or other collaborative events is mandatory. The flexibility and understanding of the company of the different “hats” their staff must wear throughout the day makes a difference in helping employees manage the added stress and responsibilities.
There are a few key things that remote workers should embrace in order to make remote learning and their professional responsibilities both be successful. First, be organized. Create a daily schedule, starting with times that each family member must be available to participate in a classroom virtual lesson or meeting. Then, block out times where children study, and parents work on projects that require their full concentration.
Here is a tip: schedule your “do not interrupt” work time at the same time that you are able to book childcare to occupy younger kids or the time that you schedule for older kids to read a book or go play outside. Do not schedule your “concentration-time” during the same time that kids are working on assignments that they require supervision or assistance. You will be interrupted and you both will get frustrated.
Many companies are adding childcare allowances or stipends to create at-home offices for remote workers. These childcare stipends may allow workers to pay for a part-time nanny or hire a friend or family member for in-home childcare, limiting the exposure to COVID. Whether it is extra personal time to be used to help care for children and supplement remote learning from the local school district or setting up virtual childcare, many businesses are looking into different ways to support their staff.
This, plus initiatives such as job-sharing and allowing part-time work without penalizing an employee on their career trajectory, can help businesses retain their top talent amid the pandemic and help remote workers reduce their stress and still be a valuable contributing member of their team.
The author Zachary S. Sielicky is the Membership Manager for the Salem Chamber of Commerce. Zachary advises businesses in the Mid-Willamette Valley on how to connect with the community and fellow businesses. The Salem Chamber is a Convener of leaders, a Catalyst for positive change, and a Champion for a thriving community. Are you a business leader? Find out what kind HERE.