HBR IdeaCast Managing Working Parents During the Pandemic
Nov 10, 2020
Ellen Ernst Kossek, a management professor at Purdue University, discusses the significant strains COVID-19 has placed on working parents. She emphasizes the necessity for managers to provide both predictability and flexibility to support their teams. Kossek shares innovative strategies like a 'COVID buddy' system and the importance of team dynamics. The conversation touches on balancing empathy with productivity, equitable workload distribution, and long-term benefits of investing in employee well-being as workplaces evolve.
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Manager-Driven Flexibility
- Managers drive flexibility and work-family support, not just company policies.
- Their approval is crucial for flexible work arrangements.
Culture and Flexibility
- Workplace flexibility varies depending on job function and company culture.
- Traditional work-first cultures often prioritize work over employee needs.
Predictability and Flexibility
- Managers should aim for predictability and flexibility in work arrangements.
- Establish predictable meeting times and flexible backup systems for emergencies.