Checklist for a Parent-Friendly Workplace

Flexible Scheduling

• ☐ Offer adjustable start/end times

• ☐ Allow for shift swaps or compressed workweeks

• ☐ Support remote or hybrid options when possible

  
  

Family-Friendly Policies

• ☐ Provide paid parental leave (even a few weeks makes a difference)

• ☐ Offer unpaid leave extensions for family emergencies

• ☐ Include caregiving in your PTO policy

  
  

Culture of Understanding

• ☐ Normalize parenting talk—don’t treat it like a taboo

• ☐ Train managers in empathy and emotional intelligence

• ☐ Celebrate milestones (baby showers, birthdays, school wins)

  
  

Kid-Friendly Perks

• ☐ Create a backup childcare plan or local referral list

• ☐ Offer occasional “bring your kid to work” days

• ☐ Provide a quiet space for pumping, nursing, or decompressing

  
  

Communication & Support

• ☐ Check in regularly with working parents

• ☐ Ask what support they need—don’t assume

• ☐ Create a parent advisory group or feedback loop

  
  

Tech & Tools

• ☐ Use shared calendars to track school events or family time

• ☐ Offer asynchronous work options

• ☐ Provide access to parenting resources or wellness apps

  
  

Lead by Example

• ☐ Model healthy boundaries (leave on time, take breaks)

• ☐ Share your own parenting wins and struggles

• ☐ Encourage others to do the same—without guilt

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