Having a seat at the table changes everything at Best Workplaces for Parents

Working parents at Wegmans Food Markets, ranked 26th among large companies, appreciate the opportunity to build meaningful careers while balancing professional responsibilities with family life.

As highlighted in a recent U.S. Surgeon General advisory, modern working parents face unique challenges, including loneliness, financial stress, and societal expectations. According to the American Psychological Association, 41% of parents report being so stressed most days that it affects their ability to function.

The workplace environment significantly impacts mental health. In fact, managers often influence employees' mental well-being more than healthcare providers or therapists.

At the 2024 Fortune Best Workplaces for Parents™, research from Great Place To Work® reveals a stark contrast between these exceptional workplaces and the average. At the best workplaces, 90% of working parents enjoy coming to work, and 91% express a desire to remain with their company long-term. In contrast, only 52% of parents in typical workplaces feel positive about their daily work, and just 65% plan to stay in their current roles.

One major differentiator is the level of control parents feel over their work experience. This often hinges on their relationship with their direct manager.

“The key for working parents is whether their manager supports their success both at work and at home,” explains Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place To Work. “Do they have a leader who listens and cares, or do they feel powerless to shape their work environment and set healthy boundaries?”

Research indicates that a lack of control correlates with heightened stress and depression. For parents, balancing autonomy is even harder, given their dual roles at work and home. Studies show parents are spending more time both at work and with their children, often sacrificing personal time and rest.

At the Best Workplaces, management is 50% more likely to involve parents in decision-making compared to typical workplaces. This inclusion boosts well-being: parents who feel included are 30% more likely to find meaning in their work and 20% more likely to describe their workplace as psychologically healthy.

“When parents feel supported by their leaders, they bring more effort and energy, which benefits the entire organization,” says Bush. “Giving parents a sense of control unlocks their creativity and drive.”

Parents involved in decision-making are 30% more likely to adapt to change quickly, and those who find their work meaningful are 26% more likely to put in extra effort. This agility and commitment are especially valuable as rapid technological advancements, like AI, push companies to innovate continuously.

The Best Workplaces for Parents set a benchmark for creating environments where parents thrive. Here’s how they do it:

Listening to Parents’ Needs
These companies create channels to gather feedback from working parents at all levels.
Wegmans encourages open dialogue by having leaders work alongside frontline employees and hold regular one-on-one meetings. Hilton, ranked third among large companies, begins shifts with team huddles to share updates and collect input. At Ryan, a tax consulting firm, senior leaders conduct small listening sessions to identify common issues and act on them.

Offering Flexible Work Options
Flexibility is key for parents balancing work and family life.
Wegmans responded to feedback by introducing consistent weekly schedules for hourly employees, making it easier to plan personal time. Hilton allows team members to pick shifts or try new roles through its gig work program, fostering skill development and career growth.

Providing Meaningful Work Opportunities
Meaningful work helps parents justify the sacrifices required to balance work and family.
Cisco, the top-ranked large company, provides every employee with personalized career coaching. Initiatives like the Women Inventor Network encourage innovation, helping employees contribute in impactful ways.

Supporting all employees benefits working parents too, as they are represented across all demographics. By fostering a positive environment for everyone, these companies ensure that parents can succeed both professionally and personally.