Happy Father's Day! Let's Talk Mental Well-being for ALL Working Parents

Happy Father's Day to all the dads juggling work, family, and the pursuit of sanity! But let's be real, the struggle for work-life balance isn't just a dad issue. Moms face it too. This Father's Day, we're celebrating dads by acknowledging their unique challenges. But we also recognise that moms are in the trenches with them, balancing careers with caregiving. In this issue, we'll delve into the mental health challenges of working parents, share proven strategies to beat burnout, and spotlight companies that are getting it right.

Understanding the Mental Health Challenges of Working Parents

Being a parent is rewarding but comes with challenges, especially for those juggling work and family responsibilities. Here are some key mental health challenges:

• Role Strain: Pressure to be the primary breadwinner while being an involved parent. According to the Fatherhood Institute, 82% of working fathers report feeling stressed due to work-life balance issues.

• Work-Life Balance: Struggling to balance work demands with family time leads to feelings of guilt and inadequacy. A study by the Mental Health Foundation found that work-life balance issues significantly contribute to stress among working parents.

• Social Expectations: Traditional gender roles make it harder for fathers to seek help or express struggles, and similar expectations affect mothers too. Watch the trailer for "The Mask You Live In" for a glimpse into societal expectations of masculinity and their impact on mental health.

• Lack of Support: Inadequate workplace support, such as flexible hours or parental leave. According to the CIPD, only 10% of UK companies offer flexible working hours tailored to fathers.

From our recent poll, "Does Your Workplace Support Your Mental Health?"

• Extremely Supported: 18%

• Somewhat Supported: 18%

• Not Supported: 30%

• Unsure: 14%

• Makes it worse: 20%

These results paint a stark picture: many workplaces aren't just failing to support their employees' mental well-being, but are actively contributing to the stress and burnout that many parents face. One in five respondents reported that their workplace actually makes their mental health worse. This isn't just a statistic; it's a reality I've witnessed firsthand.

Growing up, I saw the toll that demanding jobs took on the fathers in my life. My biological father, a politician in Ghana, often prioritized his work over family time, while my stepfather, a London black cab driver, worked tirelessly to provide for us. Their struggles with work-life balance and the impact on their mental well-being have profoundly shaped my understanding of the pressures working parents face. It's clear that we need to create workplaces that value and support the whole person, not just their productivity.

We must change the narrative and build a future where every parent feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive – both at work and at home.

Start your journey towards better mental well-being with our free "Guide to Balancing Work and Family Life for Working Parents." This comprehensive resource provides practical tools and strategies to manage stress and achieve a healthy work-life balance. Download the Guide

Practical Strategies for Managing Stress and Finding Work-Life Balance

Managing stress and achieving a healthy work-life balance is crucial for the well-being of working parents. Here are some practical strategies:

• Set Boundaries: Clearly define work hours and family time to ensure both receive the needed attention. For example, avoid checking emails after 6 PM to spend quality time with your children.

• Prioritise Self-Care: Make time for activities that help you relax and recharge, such as exercise, hobbies, or spending time with friends. Regular physical activity can significantly reduce stress levels and improve overall mental health. Watch this animated video from The School of Life on "The Importance of Self-Care".

• Seek Support: Don't hesitate to ask for help from your partner, family, or friends. Consider joining support groups for working parents to share experiences and advice. Sometimes, just talking to someone who understands your struggles can make a big difference.

• Utilise Workplace Resources: Take advantage of any mental health resources or employee assistance programs offered by your workplace. Many companies offer counselling services or wellness programs that can provide support. According to Deloitte, companies with comprehensive wellness programs see a 50% reduction in employee turnover.

Fostering Supportive Workplace Cultures 

Creating a supportive workplace culture is essential for helping working fathers manage their responsibilities effectively. Here are some strategies for organisations:

• Flexible Working Arrangements: Offer flexible work hours, remote work options, and paternity leave to help fathers balance their work and family commitments. For example, allowing fathers to work from home one day a week can make a significant difference.

• Promote Mental Health Awareness: Implement programs and workshops on mental health awareness and stress management. Training on signs of stress and burnout can empower employees to seek help early.

• Encourage Open Dialogue: Create a safe space for employees to discuss challenges and seek support without fear of judgment. Regular check-ins and anonymous surveys can help gauge the mental well-being of your staff.

• Supportive Policies: Develop and enforce policies that promote work-life balance and support working fathers. This could include enhanced paternity leave or 'family days' where parents can bring their children to work.

Practical Case Studies

Case Study 1: Salesforce

Salesforce, a global CRM software company, is renowned for its robust support of working parents. Their initiatives include:

• Generous Parental Leave: Salesforce offers new parents (mothers and fathers) up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave. This allows parents ample time to bond with their newborn or adopted child and adjust to their new roles. You can read about their parental leave policies and the experiences of working dads at Salesforce here.

• Childcare Benefits: The company provides employees with access to backup childcare services for unexpected situations and subsidies for childcare expenses.

• Camp Ohana: Salesforce hosts an annual "Camp Ohana" event, during which employees can bring their children to the office for a day of fun and learning. This helps parents balance work and family and fosters a family-friendly workplace culture.

Impact: Salesforce's comprehensive support for working parents has increased employee satisfaction, engagement, and retention. Organisations like Fortune and Great Place to Work have consistently ranked the company as a top workplace for parents.

Case Study 2: Patagonia

Patagonia, an outdoor clothing retailer, is known for its commitment to environmental and social responsibility, and this extends to its treatment of working parents. Their initiatives include:

• On-Site Childcare: Patagonia provides on-site childcare at its headquarters, offering a high-quality, affordable option for employees with young children. This allows parents to focus on their work knowing their children are well cared for. You can learn more about their commitment to families here.

• Flexible Work Arrangements: The company offers a variety of flexible work arrangements, including telecommuting, flextime, and job sharing. This empowers parents to create schedules that work for their families.

• Paid Parental Leave: Patagonia provides generous paid parental leave for both mothers and fathers, allowing them to take time off to bond with their new children.

Impact: Patagonia's family-friendly policies have created a loyal and engaged workforce. The company boasts high employee retention rates and is frequently cited as a leader in corporate responsibility.

A Call to Action: Empowering Working Parents

This Father's Day, we celebrate dads and acknowledge the unique challenges ALL working parents face.

Let's be real: juggling work and family takes a toll. But you're not alone. Prioritising your mental health isn't selfish; it's essential for being the best parent and professional you can be.

Ready to Take Back Control?

Dads: This Father's Day, make your well-being a priority. Set boundaries, ask for help, and recharge. You deserve it.

Moms: We see your strength and resilience. Don't hesitate to seek support and advocate for the resources you need.

Everyone: Start a conversation about work-life balance in your workplace. Share this newsletter with your colleagues and let's build a culture of support.

Need Personalised Support?

At Bempong Talking Therapy, we specialise in helping working parents overcome burnout and thrive.

Let's create a world where parenthood and a fulfilling career go hand in hand—a world where EVERY parent feels empowered, supported, and truly able to thrive.

Helpful Resources:

Working Families: https://workingfamilies.org.uk/

Fathers Network: https://www.fathersnetwork.org.uk/

Mental Health Foundation: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/

Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk/

Sources:

• Gallup. (2020). The Relationship Between Workplace Culture and Performance. Retrieved from Gallup Report

• Deloitte. (2021). The Financial Impact of a Positive Corporate Culture. Retrieved from Deloitte Report

• Crenshaw, K. (1989). Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Theory, and Antiracist Politics. University of Chicago Legal Forum, 1989(1), 139–167.

About the Author: Jarell Bempong is a distinguished thought leader in organisational development and mental well-being, deeply committed to fostering inclusive and empowering workplace cultures. Drawing on extensive experience as a catalyst for cultural consciousness and a pioneer of the Bempong Talking Therapy methodology, Jarell integrates intersectionality and empathy into all aspects of professional practice. With a humanistic philosophy at its core, Jarell champions the boundless potential within individuals and communities, providing tailored solutions and actionable guidance to drive meaningful change. Renowned for intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant exchanges, Jarell is dedicated to creating thriving, innovative workplaces where everyone feels valued and empowered.

Share Your Story: How do YOU find balance as a working parent? What resources or support systems have made a difference for you? Let's learn from each other in the comments below.