Issured Limited’s Post

When there isn't an HR team or director to talk to about holidays, what should you do? Some thoughts from my Substack on being self-employed but still remembering to take time off. #publicrelation #publicaffairs #holidays #vacation #selfemployed #SME #communications #politics #welfare #wellbeing

As the kids go back to school and we enter this new season, it’s a great time to reflect on how we work and how we find balance within the madness of being a working parent. For me, it’s always a struggle to get back into the swing of things after the summer. My brain still feels like it’s on holiday! The rain on the school run has made me want to go back home, get in to my pajamas and get back into bed lol. Luckily, I have a speaking engagement later on today that has forced me to get back into the mindset of doing what I do. I’ll be talking about Parenting Out Loud. I’ll aim to empower the working dads with the confidence to ask for that flexible working arrangement and put their school drop-offs and pick-ups in their calendar. I’ll be talking about the mental load and how sharing caring responsibilities is increasingly becoming a point of contention within households and what men can do to lead the conversation within their families. And I’ll be influencing the whole organisation to all be supporters and advocates to working dads, through policies, practices, role-modelling and culture change. We have taken the Parenting Out Loud campaign nationwide, with billboards all across the UK and in the major shopping centres. I want this to be a national conversation at a time when we are entering this new season and thinking about how we manage our work and home lives. I’m so excited about the ongoing conversation this campaign is prompting. And also how it's helping me to ease back into work mode! How are you finding the transition back after the school holidays? #ParentingOutLoud #EqualParenting #WorkingDads #GenderEquality

Family meals can be tough with busy schedules and multiple responsibilities. Overcome this by getting kids involved in meal prep to lighten the load and boost family bonding! This EWYFD (24 May 2024), encourage your employees to enjoy making and having dinner with their families - Let's promote work-life balance and create lasting memories. 🍽️👨👩👧👦 #EWYFD #FamilyTime #WorkLifeBalance #EmployeeWellbeing

📣 Attention people managers 📣 Here's a tiny tip for ya: Consider telling your team to cut out a bit early tomorrow. Most companies won't close on Good Friday. But for those employees that celebrate Easter, they probably have no shortage of things they need to get done before the holiday (basket supplies, groceries, cleaning, laundry, etc). Plus, most schools are closed so working parents are probably juggling childcare. Those 2 hours won't make or break your business goals (you aren't getting your best productivity on a Friday afternoon anyway), but can make a big difference to your people. What about those that don't celebrate this particular holiday? Well, they'll be happy to get out a bit early. It's a surefire way to earn the loyalty of your team. And it costs nearly nothing!

Keep your people (and their kids) engaged during the school holidays! KidsCo Australia's innovative programs are designed to support your people in staying at work by taking care of (and entertaining!) their kids at the office during school holidays.  Why this program is outstanding value for employers: - 93% of Westpac employees found the program made them feel their workplace was more family-friendly - Bunnings employees reported a 28% improvement in their mental health through the school holiday period - Ipswich Hospital saved over $76,000 in paid sick leave during a single school holiday period KidsCo’s workplace holiday programs are more than just a workplace benefit. They also help organisations: - Foster gender diversity and inclusion - Support family mental health and wellbeing - Engage and retain working parents and carers - Attract and retain top talent Find out more now about an exclusive offer: https://hubs.la/Q02G_3G60 #schoolholidays #workingparents

The juggle is real. The Easter juggle started earlier than expected! My son had a starring role in this mornings assembly. He's a class VIP. Gets to wear a purple jumper all week. His classmates share lots of reasons why he a valued member of the class. 😍 Running my own business means I get to be there for those important moments, but it did require moving some client meetings around last minute. I also forgot that the usual afterschool club stops a week early so in total I've lost about 2 hours of work time today. 😥 The next 2 weeks I'm juggling Easter holidays with the support of holiday clubs, family and probably some iPad and TV time. Fortunately a lot of my clients are also parents so they get it - and of course I've planned ahead for this juggle. The reality of running a business and being a parent isn't easy. But I help a lot of my clients to ease some of the pressure by creating brilliant marketing strategies and content that connects with their target clients, and gets them talking. If you want an extra pair of hands to help with the school holiday juggle, let's talk (after Easter) about how I could help you. Oh and anyone in/around Poole who fancies co-working next Thursday, I'm in the area (grabbing the opportunity for grandparent childcare!) I'll most likely head to the Foundry unless there are any other recommendations? #Marketing #Comms #Freelancer #WorkingParent

Time to plan for your staff gifts! Halloween is the official kick off to the (American) holiday season. 🎁 Books are a great gift for your colleagues! 📚 Disability Is Human is available both in paperback and e book (details in the comments below). You can even buy ebooks in bulk, sharing links to your co workers and friends. The relatable stories and insights are a springboard to meaningful conversations and connection. They also lead the way to a more welcoming and accessible workplace. A win win win! Image description: Gift basket with white wine bottle, a glass and a copy of the Disability Is Human book in bright green and purple accents. There’s blue tissue paper in a white basket.

As the holiday approaches, I thought to share this with you to make the most benefit from it. Holiday is for bonding and strengthening relationship between parent and children. Almost all schools are on vacation and it's crucial for parents to foster a positive and joyful atmosphere for their children. Here are some things to avoid during this special time: Don't interrupt your child's play Allow them the freedom to explore and immerse themselves in the magic of play without unnecessary interruptions. Avoid being overly permissive Maintaining some structure through routine helps create a balance between freedom and restriction. Listen when they want to talk Instead of shutting them down, encourage open communication and make time to hear about their experiences and thoughts. Provide alternatives to screen time When limiting screen time, offer engaging activities to replace it, ensuring a healthy balance between technology and other forms of entertainment. Choose positive communication over punishment Replace the use of punitive measures with constructive communication to guide your child's behavior. Refrain from constant criticism Focus on positive reinforcement and encouragement rather than consistently pointing out flaws. It helps to build your child's self confidence. Address complaints and concerns Ignoring your child's complaints can lead to frustration and consequently misbehavior. Address their concerns with empathy and understanding. Encourage independence While it's tempting to do everything for them, fostering independence helps children develop crucial life skills. Allow outdoor play Don't deny them the opportunity to explore the outdoors. Fresh air and physical activity contribute to a healthy and happy holiday experience. This holiday season, let's create cherished memories by fostering a loving and supportive environment for our children. I hope this helps. Haleemah Salaudeen The Passionate Child Advocate Founder, Early Years Architect #PositiveParenting #EarlyYearsArchitect #HolidayJoy #FamilyFirst

It might feel like everything's slipping through the cracks. I'm failing at home. I'm failing at ______ \(work/volunteering/self-care, you name it\) But the system was never set up to support you. We live in a society that doesn't value caregiving. Where companies are telling employees to get to the office without reason. Where the U.S. still lacks universal paid leave or child care. Summer care? It's an individualistic, expensive, Survivor-esque challenge. Meanwhile, you're still only one generation removed from men who've never changed a diaper. And where dads are routinely praised for doing the bare minimum. So, no, you're not failing. Society is failing you. While we fight for better policies, let's also integrate more gender equity into our homes, families, and parenting. Because that's where the opinion shift happens! You don't have to live feeling like a failure. Contact me if you'd like to feel more supported in the home, and actually have time where you're focused on you. My summer flex coaching spots will be open until July 3. Learn more here --\> https://lnkd.in/eb67e9tf

Finding a balance between work and life can be challenging, but it's important to prioritize what really matters. My wife traveled for work this week, so I was a single parent for 5 days. Somewhere between the preschool pickups/dropoffs, the 9 hour work days, and the Chick-Fil-A drive thru line for kids meal nuggets, I learned that some things can wait. That conference call can be rescheduled, that report can be sent after bedtime stories with your children. Take the time to be there for your family. You'll be amazed at how rewarding it is. #worklifebalance #familytime #priorities