While school holidays can be a special time, they can also bring added pressure for our people when it comes to balancing work and care responsibilities.
We recognise that supporting parents and carers, year-round, is key to creating a healthier, happier workforce, as well as helping us attract great people. It’s also a powerful driver of retention and engagement; these colleagues are a vital part of our business, and their wellbeing is key to our success.
That’s why we have built a range of benefits into our package that parents and carers can access throughout the year.
Through our partnership with Bright Horizons, our people have access to a virtual education platform, a support hotline, and a range of practical care options, such as emergency back-up care. School holiday plans can change quickly, and the back-up care can be used to find a last-minute nanny or nursery place for children, or to arrange respite care for adults. Bright Horizons can also help with finding fun activities, such as holiday camp places, as well as educational support through access to a personal tutor.
Flexibility is a core part of our benefits and plays a big role in helping parents and carers achieve a better work-life balance.
Alongside hybrid working, we offer all our people a weekly Lifestyle Hour: one hour away from work to spend however they choose, or the option to opt into flexi-hours, giving access to additional holiday in one- or two-hour blocks. For those thinking about starting or extending their family, we offer six-months full pay parental leave.
We also have a sabbatical scheme, giving our people the opportunity to take an extended paid break of up to four weeks after five years of service, which many use to spend quality time with family during the school holidays.
A highlight in the summer calendar is our family and friends’ fireworks night; a chance for parents, carers, and their families to unwind and enjoy family-friendly entertainment, while watching the British Fireworks Championship.
Kerri O’Driscoll is head of reward and people delivery at Foot Anstey
