How employee benefits can help new working parents with the challenges of parenthood
Physical exhaustion is a challenge for parents returning to work after the birth of a child. While bodies recover from physical exertion, physical and mental exhaustion lasts much longer due to lack of and consistently interrupted sleep.
Fatigue costs businesses $136bn a year in health-related lost productivity.
Mental health implications
The Maternal Mental Health Alliance (MMHA) organises the Maternity Mental Health Awareness Week, an annual campaign held in early May.
In its article, An Employer’s Guide to Maternal Mental Health, Sodexo Engage highlights that, in the UK, 636,000 maternity leave claims were made in 2022. MMHA statistics suggest that 20% of people experience perinatal mental health problems. As such, of those 636,000 maternity claimants, around 127,200 were affected.
Another alarming statistic suggests that 70% of people with a perinatal mental illness don’t speak out or seek support.
Here's how employers can provide essential support:
Flexible working
The simplest way to support parents in the workplace is to provide a flexible working environment.
Flexibility stems beyond location and adapting working hours to meet employees’ needs. It’s a mindset – a culture where working parents don’t feel like they may be penalised should they need to step away unexpectedly.
Mental wellbeing
Parents are under immense pressure, often feeling the need to succeed at work and home. The juggle can take its toll. Tiredness, financial anxiety and less time to focus on self-care negatively affects mental health.
An Employee Assistance Programme gives working parents peace of mind, a safe place to turn whenever needed, and a host of wellbeing tools at their fingertips.
Physical resilience
Many people forgo exercise when they’re tired and pushed for time. The problem is that, more than anyone else, parents need to be physically resilient and energised.
Embedding an inclusive fitness discount benefit into your business is a positive step. So is encouraging small changes in daily behaviours, such as walks during lunch breaks or holding one-to-one meetings outdoors.
Making money stretch further
According to The Times, it costs an average of £223,256 to raise a child from birth to 18 in the UK in 2023. This includes average childcare costs.
Relieving that financial burden could mean employees can enjoy more of what matters in their lives.
Daily essentials: An employee discounts platform will reduce the cost of daily living. You can also help spread the cost of childcare with vouchers, available through a salary sacrifice scheme.
It means employees lose less of their wages to tax and National Insurance Contributions (NIC) and can save up to 32% on annual childcare costs (for a basic-rate taxpayer). Employers will also see NIC savings of up to 13.8%, thanks to reduced taxable salaries.
More moments of joy: Discount platforms often include high-end retailers and leisure outlets, such as cinemas and day trips. Life isn’t just about living, it’s about experiencing, and you can help your employees lead life to the full.
Employers have the chance to make life at work and home more joyful for all employees and offer impactful support to those who need it. Embrace a culture of support and open up a world of opportunities for your business.
In partnership with Pluxee UK
Pluxee UK, is a leading employee benefits and engagement partner that opens up a world of opportunities to help people enjoy more of what really matters in their lives.
