Children’s Day Reflection: Beyond Schools and Into Workplaces  – GPPC blog

Every year, on November 14th, India celebrates Children’s Day, a time to honor the innocence, joy, and boundless potential of children. Schools light up with events, speeches, and celebrations, all aimed at highlighting the importance of nurturing the next generation. But as we focus on children, an essential question often goes unasked: why is Children’s Day largely confined to schools? What about the parents raising these children—especially those balancing full-time jobs and caregiving?  

Parenting is a profound and demanding journey. It doesn’t pause when the workday begins or end when a project is completed. Yet, in many workplaces, the role of a parent—be it a father, mother, or any caregiver—is often overlooked. Mental well-being is finally taking center stage in organizational conversations, but how often do we ask our employees, “How are you doing as a parent?”  

Layers of Emotional Complexity  

Parenting comes with layers of emotional challenges. Imagine a colleague raising a child with special needs. The emotional, physical, and financial strain they face daily is immense. Yet, do we as employers truly see their struggle? Do we offer them flexibility, understanding, or even a safe space to share?  

Similarly, consider the different stages of parenting. A young father may be preoccupied with sleepless nights and the pressure to provide. Meanwhile, a mother whose child is leaving for college may wrestle with the profound sense of loss and questions of purpose, even as she heads a business unit. Both are navigating deeply personal challenges that inevitably affect their professional lives.  

In the broader Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) conversation, we often talk about gender, race, or disability, but how often do we consider the persona of a parent? Beyond maternity and paternity leave, what systems are in place to support caregivers?  

The Silent Struggle in Nuclear Families  

In today’s age of nuclear families, where extended support systems are rare, parenting can feel overwhelming. The isolation and pressure are enough to make some reconsider whether to have children at all. As employers, we must ask ourselves: are our systems unintentionally dissuading people from choosing to be parents? Or are we creating environments where the fabric of family life can remain intact?  

What Employers Can Do: An Action Plan  

Here are three reflective actions that employers can take to create more inclusive and supportive workplaces for parents:  

1. Implement Flexible Policies for All Caregivers  

Beyond standard maternity and paternity leave, consider flexible work arrangements that accommodate the varying needs of parents. This could include remote work, adjusted hours, or caregiving leaves. Recognize that parenting challenges don’t end after the first year of a child’s life.  

2. Create a Safe Space for Conversations  

Encourage open dialogue about parenting and caregiving challenges. This could be in the form of employee resource groups for parents or dedicated mental health check-ins. Understanding your employees’ personal lives can lead to greater empathy and better support systems.  

3. Integrate Parenting into DEI Strategy  

Include the parenting experience in your DEI initiatives. Offer training and awareness programs to help teams understand the unique challenges parents face, including those raising special needs children. Normalize conversations around these topics, and provide tangible support through benefits such as counseling or special childcare services.  

Building a Supportive Culture  

At its core, this is about culture. A supportive workplace acknowledges that employees are more than their job titles—they’re parents, caregivers, and individuals with multifaceted lives. When we support parents, we’re not only improving their well-being but also fostering loyalty, engagement, and productivity.  

On this Children’s Day, let’s expand our celebration. Let’s reflect on how we, as employers, can better support the people raising the next generation. Because when parents thrive, children thrive, and ultimately, so do our workplaces.