September is Parents and Carers Month
September is Parents and Carers Month
Creating a supportive environment for parents and carers is not only the right thing to do, but also a strategic move that can boost employee morale, retention, and productivity. For jobseekers, choosing a company that values and supports parents and carers can have a profound impact on both career and personal life.
- Better Work-Life Balance: Flexible schedules and remote work options help you to manage your professional and personal commitments, reducing stress and burnout.
- Increased Job Satisfaction: When you feel valued and supported, you're more engaged and satisfied, leading to a positive and productive work experience.
- Uninterrupted Career Growth: Clear policies and support networks ensure that taking time off or needing flexibility won't sideline your career.
- Authentic, Inclusive Culture: You’re more likely to engage with, and apply, to a role when there’s authentic insight into a workplace’s values. Such policies a powerful indicator of a company's genuine commitment to its employees' well-being.
Continue reading to hear firsthand from employees and staff network groups on how they're empowered to continue with the parental and caregiving duties, while being supported in their careers.
September Monthly Highlights
- ESEA Heritage Month 01/09/2025
- Richard Wrights Birthday 04/09/2025
- International Day of Charity 05/09/2025
- World Suicide Preverntion Day 10/09/2025
- Patriot Day (USA) 11/09/2025
- World Afro Day 15/09/2025
- International Day For The Preservation of the Ozone Layer 16/09/2025
- International Equal Pay Day 18/09/2025
- HEFORSHE 20/09/2025
- World Alzheimer's Day 21/09/2025
- International Day of Peace 21/09/2025
- Rosh Hashanah 22/09/2025
- Bisexual Visibility Day 23/09/2025
- International Day of Sign Languages 23/09/2025
- European Day of Languages 26/09/2025
- International Day of the Deaf 28/09/2025
- World Rivers Day 28/09/2025
Supporting Parents and Carers: How Sopra Steria is Making a Difference
Caring for a loved one shouldn’t lead to stress or financial penalty. At leading tech company Sopra Steria, employees can flex their working hours around their home commitments and access a multitude of resources to support any emotional or practical challenges they may face. From policies, guidance and structured support programmes, to benefits, inclusion networks and workshops, parents and carers working at Sopra Steria are encouraged to find the balance they need.
Ruth is the sponsor of Sopra Steria's new Carers' Community. Find out why being part of the network was important to her.
Returning to Work: Lessons Learned and My Fresh Start at dunnhumby
Hear from a dunnhumby employee, how she took a two-year career break to care for her newborn and manage household duties. She discusses her return to the workforce, how she was motivated to return by a desire to use her skills, achieve financial independence, and seek personal and professional growth. She found that her time away from work provided her with valuable skills like time management and resilience, which have positively influenced her work style. She chose dunnhumby because the company was understanding of her career gap and its culture aligns with her values and goals. Find a useful list of tips for other women looking to return to work, including assessing skills, updating resumes, networking, upskilling, and embracing change.
Articles
Articles
Never Mind the Gap: TPE & Network Rail Team up to Showcase Opportunities for Women After Career Breaks
TransPennine Express (TPE) spent two weeks showing a group of women who have had a career break, how jobs in rail could be a good fit for them. Through a partnership with Women in Rail, ‘Never Mind the Gap’they provide training and work placements for women who want to ‘change track’ after a period away from the workplace.
Supporting New Mums on their Return to Work
Sopra Steria's new maternity workshops are helping new mothers return to work with confidence. Participant Milly, who was initially anxious after a year off, found the workshops and subsequent group meetings provided a vital support network. Her manager, Tina, also believes these groups are crucial for helping new mums transition back into their careers.
From Diagnosis to Advocacy: Catherine’s Story of Dyslexia and Growth at West Yorkshire Combined Authority
Sanctuary are committed to being a diverse, inclusive organisation and their Parent Network aims to support their colleagues at all stages of parenting to thrive at work, obtaining a good work-life balance.
Balancing Care and Career: A Look into the Lives of Sainsbury's Carers
Many of colleagues are not only dedicated professionals, but also compassionate carers who balance work with the responsibilities of caring. As part of carers week this month, Sainsbury's have been hearing experiences from some of their caring colleagues, who shed light on the challenges they have faced and how colleagues and managers can help.
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