What Working Parents Need from Their Managers
Summary.
Even during a pandemic, managers are expected to lead their teams and drive business results. But there’s a dilemma: They must acknowledge that Covid-19 is putting an enormous strain on people, especially working parents, while also holding them accountable for getting their work done. This means employing two strategies that, on the surface, might seem to conflict: predictability and flexibility. Specifically, they should build routines into the workday without unduly burdening parents, while at the same time experimenting with new ways of working and communicating so that everyone’s needs are accommodated fairly.
Even during a pandemic, managers are under pressure to deliver results. They need to effectively lead their teams and drive performance while also supporting the work-life needs of employees, whether they have been called into in-person service or are now completely remote. Working parents, in particular, are struggling to balance their jobs with homeschooling and childcare.