How to support working parents during the school holidays

Chris Ronald, VP EMEA B2B, Rewards, Incentives, Benefits, BHN.

May 6 2025 - For children, the school holidays are a time of excitement and escape from school. But for working parents, it presents a different challenge. Finding childcare, costs to keep kids entertained, and juggling work responsibilities can create significant stress. And as living costs continue to rise, these challenges are only intensifying.

BHN research in 2024, reveals that 56% of employees used their benefits to purchase essential items - an astonishing 31% increase from the previous year. With 25% of employees relying on instalment payments for childcare-related costs and 67% expressing a preference for gift cards as a form of employee support, it's clear that employers play a vital role in reducing the financial burden of school holidays. BHN's 2025 employee appreciation research, shows that 28% of workers now consider enhanced benefits essential for managing inflation.

Flexibility: A necessity, not a perk

Flexible working has evolved beyond a workplace benefit - it's now a fundamental expectation. This year has seen this come into sharper focus. As many UK companies have now introduced return-to-office mandates, sparking ongoing debate in both the media and industry. Despite this ongoing debate, businesses should weigh such policies against the importance of flexibility - not just for overall employee wellbeing, but especially for parents during school breaks. Employers offering remote work options, shorter work weeks, or flexible hours can empower parents to manage childcare needs without compromising productivity.

For instance, condensed work weeks, where employees work longer hours over fewer days, can provide parents with an extra day off to spend with their children, easing the pressure of holiday childcare. Remote and hybrid working options also give parents the freedom to plan childcare needs around their work schedules, ensuring they balance work commitments whilst also being present for their children.

Maximising the impact of employee benefits and Incentives

Beyond flexible working, providing staff access to discounted gift cards, salary sacrifice schemes or other such voluntary benefits, to stretch budgets and make salaries go further is a must. Maybe topped up by a company funded gift card as a special thank you and show of appreciation.

There are a significant range of gift cards across most retailers. Whether self-purchased at a discount, or gifted by the employer, a gift card can underpin a range of household bills and Easter entertainment. There is something for all needs with gift cards categories covering; food, clothing, restaurants, gaming, days out, electronics, holidays and so much more.

Alternatively, cashback cards, such as bYond, provide the opportunity to earn money back on everyday spend throughout the year, providing a cushion for the expensive holiday season.

Employers who recognise the financial strain of school breaks and actively support their employees through tailored benefits will create a more engaged and loyal workforce. A fact that is supported by BHN's research in 2025 which found that 40% of workers said they would stay at their company if they received a reward or recognition from their employer. Introducing benefits like salary sacrifice schemes which have no upfront costs to employers, are a practical way to ease financial pressures while boosting employee satisfaction and retention.

Creating a culture of support

Supporting working parents goes beyond benefits. Open conversations about the challenges employees face during school holidays helps businesses create an environment where parents feel understood and supported. Simple steps/routines, such as encouraging managers to check in with working parents, normalising flexible work arrangements, and offering additional leave options, can go a long way in building trust and morale at work.

Relationship between employee wellbeing and business success

With the Easter break here and more school holidays on the horizon, businesses should assess whether they are doing enough to support their working parents. By encouraging flexible working practices, enhancing employee benefits, and promoting an inclusive culture, employers can reduce stress for parents while driving productivity and engagement across their workforce.

Work-life balance

Ultimately, the crux of this conversation comes down to work-life balance. We know that work-life balance plays an important role in employee wellbeing, yet many businesses still struggle to get it right. It is crucial for maintaining a healthy, motivated and productive workforce. When employees feel overworked or unable to switch off, it inevitably leads to burnout, reduced productivity, and overall dissatisfaction.

With workplace stress on the rise, it's becoming even more important for employers to support their teams. Initiatives such as flexible work options, tailored benefits and gift cards are particularly powerful for supporting working parents, but their impact extends to all employees. As BHN's research above shows, when employees feel recognised, supported, and satisfied, businesses benefit too, creating a more engaged, resilient, and well-rounded workforce. Now is the moment for employers to reassess their approach, listen to their employees, and take meaningful steps towards a healthier, more balanced workplace.

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