TL;DR: The best way to support employees during back-to-school season is by offering flexibility, clear communication, and family-focused benefits that ease the stress of changing routines. As school starts again, many parents are juggling unpredictable schedules, transportation gaps, and childcare challenges — all while trying to stay focused at work.
It’s a demanding time, especially for small business teams with limited bandwidth. But when employers are proactive, supportive, and clear, everyone feels the difference, and the whole team benefits.
Why the Back-to-School Season Still Disrupts the Workday
Back-to-school season is still a major stressor for working parents because school hours rarely match a full workday. Parents often find themselves scrambling for after-school care or juggling time off when school holidays don’t line up with their own schedules. In some districts, hybrid or year-round calendars add even more complexity, making childcare difficult for employed parents.
When companies acknowledge these realities and offer a little grace, it goes a long way toward keeping teams steady and supported.
What Can Managers Do to Help Parents?
Managers can support working parents by staying flexible, communicating clearly, and offering support before problems arise. Simple gestures — like a quick check-in or a scheduling adjustment — sometimes have the biggest impact.
At this time of year, managers should remind employees what options are available, whether it's flexible start times, remote work days, or just a willingness to talk things through. When leaders take time off themselves or share their own parenting realities, it sends a clear message that family responsibilities are understood and respected.
Help Employees Use Paid Time Off Effectively
Encouraging employees to use their Paid Time Off (PTO) helps prevent burnout and gives parents the breathing room they need during school transitions. Still, 60% of employees in the United States leave unused PTO on the table at the end of the year.
Some worry about appearing unreliable, while others save days “just in case.” But unused PTO doesn’t do anyone any favors, and some research indicates that PTO improves productivity. Back-to-school is a great time to remind your team that time off is there for a reason.
Here are a few ways to help:
- Talk about it regularly. Even a quick mention in a meeting can break the stigma.
- Lead by example. When managers take time off, employees are more likely to follow.
- Reinforce the why. Rested employees are more productive, creative, and resilient.
When time off is supported and normalized, people feel more confident using it, especially when family needs come first.
Make Childcare Benefits Easy to Understand and Use
Childcare benefits are incredibly helpful — but only if employees understand what’s available and how to use them. Too often, great benefits go unnoticed because they’re buried in paperwork or explained in complex terms. In 2025, many companies will offer one or more of the following:
- Childcare stipends that give parents a set amount to spend as needed
- Subsidized care at approved centers
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for tax-free childcare expenses
If you already offer these, make them easy to access and understand. Even pointing employees toward outside resources shows care and builds trust if you don't. A summary in your onboarding packet or a quick overview during team meetings can make a huge difference.
Promote Work-Life Balance Through Policy and Culture
Helping employees maintain work-life balance isn’t just about perks — it’s about the everyday experience of showing up to work without sacrificing everything else. As kids return to school, employees must review their work/life balance and adjust accordingly.
Employers can help by:
- Let parents shift their hours for drop-off or pick-up
- Explore compressed workweeks (like 4 days on, 3 off) to prevent burnout
- Offer hybrid options to ease commute time and give breathing room at home
- Invest in EAPs, which provide therapy, family counseling, and wellness tools
You might also consider investing in Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), especially now that they are more popular and more affordable than ever. Companies can see $3 to $10 in ROI for every dollar spent through reduced absenteeism and higher engagement.
It’s a simple way to show you care, and it pays off.
Check In With Employees About Their Families
Taking a moment to ask about an employee’s kids or school situation shows empathy and builds connection, especially during times of change. Parents don’t always talk about the stress they’re carrying, but it’s often right below the surface.
Your team may be managing more than they let on, whether it’s academic worries, pickup conflicts, or just good old-fashioned mom or dad guilt (which 57% of working moms feel at least weekly).
One-on-one check-ins are a great opportunity to ask:
- “How are your kids adjusting to the new routine?”
- “Is there anything we can adjust to make things easier?”
- “Any upcoming schedule changes we should plan for together?”
When leaders ask thoughtful questions — and share their own stories — it makes it easier for employees to open up, ask for help, and stay engaged.
Give Advance Notice of Schedule Changes
When you give working parents as much notice as possible, you allow them to adjust. School routines are already complex, and sudden changes at work can add chaos.
Whether it’s a shift in hours, new meeting schedules, or policy changes, the earlier you share updates, the better. This also sets the tone for employees to return the favor by letting you know when they need flexibility.
Clear, early communication leads to better planning, fewer last-minute scrambles, and more trust.
Prepare for The School Year with an Employee Support Plan
Supporting working parents during back-to-school season doesn’t have to be complicated — it just takes planning, empathy, and communication. By being proactive, you help your team stay focused, present, and productive.
Whether you adjust work hours, promote PTO, or simply ask how their kids are doing, your efforts send a clear message: we’re in this together. And that kind of culture pays dividends all year long.
Want help building a family-friendly workplace that supports your people and your goals? Let’s discuss how PRemployer can help you create smarter HR strategies and a team that thrives.
