Management Moment Monday

Being supportive in the leadership role with employees who have children is important. Having conversations and coming to an understanding of the expectations of the position the employee is hired for is important. Children may change these expectations from the point of view of the employee. How they are influencing the employees’ ability to meet the job requirements can be something that needs to be further discussed to be sure that the job responsibilities are met. Both employee and management should be open and honest when it comes to the expectations of any position. New mothers may need the flexibility to be able to have extra time to manage personal needs required with a newborn. Management would need to be sure that policies ae followed that allow for individuals’ needs to be met but also that the job responsibilities are met also. Being up front and honest about the flexibility some people may need to commit to a position is as important for a manager to know so preparations can be considered or made as it is for the employee so they may plan for their personal life. Most managers I know are supportive and happy to consider the impact children have on the ability of the employee’s ability to work. Managers also need to know that they need to be able to count on employees to meet their job responsibilities. Finding balance is a challenge.

Its important that staff feel that they can approach leadership when they are having struggles with balancing so that they can work together to find solutions that work for everyone. Better to work with a staff member than lose them because there is no flexibility.

Leadership needs to be visible in the unit. Staff who see you making rounds and taking an interest in the operations of the unit day-to-day will likely approach you if they have issues.

I agree with all! It is imperative to have that culture of safety. Staff should always feel comfortable bringing anything to their leadership's attention. I always say there is a difference between being a manager and being a leader.

I believe it is very important for leadership to support employees with children. When staff feel supported, it increases their job satisfaction, and in turn, they are more motivated to support management and meet the expectations of their role.