A big shout out for National Working Parents Day this Saturday 16th September 2023! We caught up with John Crichton, our Head of Solutions Delivery and Families Ambassador to find out what National Working Parents Day means to him.
As the Families Ambassador at Outsource UK, a Manager, and a Working Parent myself, I think it's really important to acknowledge and celebrate National Working Parents Day. It's a day that recognises the incredible efforts and sacrifices that working parents make each day to balance their careers and family responsibilities. It's a day that not only appreciates working parents but also encourages the importance of dual responsibilities and fosters a supportive community of like-minded professionals.
Appreciating Working Parents
National Working Parents Day shines a spotlight on the unsung heroes of our society – the parents who juggle the demands of their careers while ensuring the wellbeing of their families. It's a day to honour their dedication, resilience, and commitment to providing for their loved ones. We often as a society underestimate the sheer determination it takes to excel both in the workplace and at home, and this day is a perfect opportunity to give these individuals recognition.
At Outsource UK, we understand the challenges faced by working parents, and that's why our commitment to supporting them is unwavering. As the Families Ambassador, I have had the privilege of working closely with my colleagues to create a family-friendly work environment that offers flexibility, understanding, and resources to help parents thrive in their professional and personal lives.
Encouraging Dual Responsibilities
One of the most significant challenges many working parents face, particularly mothers, is the societal pressure and guilt associated with leaving their children at home to pursue their careers. Outdated norms have often created this guilt. I really hope that talking about and celebrating National Working Parents Day encourages a shift in perspective.
As a Manager, I've witnessed first-hand the immense value that working parents bring to our organisation. Their ability to multitask, prioritise, and handle pressure is second to none. They highlight the idea that success at work and in the family life is not mutually exclusive but complementary. This day is a reminder that being a role model for our children by pursuing our passions and dreams is a positive message that we can give to them.
Fostering a Community
The day also plays a crucial role in creating a supportive community for professionals who navigate the dual responsibilities of their careers and family life. It creates a platform for individuals to connect, share their experiences, and seek advice from others who understand the unique challenges they face. This sense of community is invaluable, as it reminds working parents that they are not alone in their journey.
At Outsource UK, we encourage our employees to connect and support one another. We provide resources such as, flexible working arrangements, and access to family-friendly policies to ensure that our team members feel empowered and understood.
A great personal example of this, was the time when our CEO, Nick Dettmar, brought forward a Board Meeting that I was presenting in, so I could get back to go to my son's first sports day, stating that I can’t miss moments like that. I look to make all important events in my kids' life and I’m lucky to have a company that not only supports that but encourages it.
In conclusion, National Working Parents Day is an essential day on our calendar, and it deserves our recognition and celebration. A day that appreciates the dedication of working parents, encourages the embrace of dual responsibilities, and fosters a supportive community. As the Families Ambassador at Outsource UK, I'm proud to be a part of an organisation that values and supports working parents, and I look forward to continuing our commitment to their success in both their professional and personal lives.
Happy National Working Parents Day to all the amazing working parents out there – you are truly superheroes!
Want to continue the conversation?
If you’d like to find out more about how you can better support your colleagues, or you'd like to find out about the internal vacancies within John's team, please don’t hesitate to drop him a message on LinkedIn or emailing JCrichton@outsource-uk.co.uk.
