Balancing Work and Family: A Guide for Parents in the Workforce

For many parents in New Zealand, managing a career alongside family responsibilities can be a significant challenge. Whether you’re transitioning back to work after parental leave or juggling remote work while caring for children, it’s important to find a balance that ensures your well-being without sacrificing your professional or personal commitments. This guide provides practical advice and resources to help you thrive in both roles, allowing you to successfully navigate these dual responsibilities.

Before You Return to Work: Preparation is Key

Returning to work after parental leave can feel overwhelming, but with thoughtful planning, the transition can be smoother. Under New Zealand law, you are required to inform your employer of your return date at least 21 days in advance. However, it’s a good idea to start the conversation earlier. Proactively discuss any concerns, your preferred work arrangements, and how your employer can support your transition back to work. Opening the dialogue early allows both you and your employer to explore flexible work options that align with your family’s needs.

Consider practical solutions such as choosing childcare close to your workplace or along your commute. This can make managing both professional and parental duties more efficient and reduce daily stress. Additionally, familiarise yourself with your rights under New Zealand’s Parental Leave and Employment Protection Act, which allows you to request flexible working arrangements, such as part-time hours or working from home.

We recently published an article focusing on the employer’s role in facilitating a smooth return to work, which you may want to share with your employer. By keeping the conversation open, both parties can plan an effective strategy for your return.

During Parental Leave: Stay Connected, Stay Informed

It’s beneficial to stay engaged with your workplace during your parental leave. This could involve attending key meetings or joining company updates via video call. Staying connected helps you remain informed about any significant developments and reduces the feeling of disconnect when you return.

Maintaining contact with your colleagues or manager also ensures that you’re not out of the loop, making your transition back into the workplace more seamless. Additionally, consider using your leave period to explore various childcare options in New Zealand, such as kōhanga reo (Māori language early childhood education centres), or private and community-based childcare providers. These different environments can offer a range of educational philosophies and support structures tailored to your family’s needs.

Flexible Work Arrangements: Finding Your Balance

Flexibility is often key to balancing professional and family life. In New Zealand, the right to request flexible working arrangements is legally protected, and it can take many forms—adjusted start and finish times, remote work, or part-time roles. This flexibility can be especially helpful when balancing school pick-ups, medical appointments, or adjusting to new routines.

However, it’s important to remember that while employers are legally required to consider your request for flexible work, they are not obligated to approve it. By clearly outlining how flexibility benefits both you and the organisation, you can increase the likelihood of your request being granted.

At Adecco New Zealand, we support parents through tailored solutions, including phased returns to work. Starting with part-time hours and gradually increasing as your family’s routine stabilises is a practical approach that many parents find effective.

Work-From-Home Strategies: Staying Productive

As remote work becomes more common, many parents are opting to work from home. While this offers convenience, it also presents unique challenges. To maintain productivity, it’s essential to create a structured home environment. Setting up a dedicated workspace—both for yourself and your children—can help maintain clear boundaries between work and family life.

Incorporating a consistent daily schedule will also help manage your dual roles. Plan focused work periods alongside scheduled activities for your children, such as creative projects or educational games. Communicating openly with your employer and team about your family’s needs ensures expectations are managed, and allows for flexibility when parenting responsibilities take priority.

Managing Stress and Practicing Self-Care: Avoiding Burnout

Balancing work and family is rewarding but can be physically and mentally draining. It’s crucial to prioritise self-care to prevent burnout. Small actions, such as delegating household tasks, enforcing boundaries between work and home life, and taking short breaks, can have a big impact on your overall well-being.

In New Zealand, you can tap into various support networks to help alleviate stress. Plunket offers resources and online forums for parents, while workplace Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP) provide confidential support for managing work-life balance. You may also benefit from joining local parent groups or digital communities that can offer support and shared experiences.

We’ve written previously on balancing work and wellbeing, offering additional tips to help manage stress. Additionally, consider familiarising yourself with the R U OK? initiative, which encourages open conversations about mental health and can be a valuable tool both at home and in the workplace.

Conclusion: Achieving Balance

Balancing work and family responsibilities is no easy feat, but with the right preparation, communication, and support, it is achievable. By knowing your rights, communicating openly with your employer, and using available resources, you can create a work-life balance that works for you and your family.

At Adecco New Zealand, we’re committed to supporting working parents with flexible employment solutions, ongoing career guidance, and practical advice to help you thrive in your professional and parental roles. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in navigating the demands of work and family life.