Ensure Your Next Employer Is Family-Friendly
If you’re a parent trying to make a career move, you probably want to make sure that you work for a family-friendly employer. But how can you assess what your work-life balance will be like before you accept the job? Start by going online. You can learn a lot just by browsing a company’s website. Does it mention resources for working parents? Is there information readily available about parental leave policies? Read reviews of the work environment on sites like Glassdoor. Also, tap into your network to get personal anecdotes about the company. Reach out to friends, friends of friends, former colleagues, or people in your school alumni network who have worked for the company. Ask about their experiences, and take note of any patterns that emerge. Finally, ask pointed questions during the interview process about company culture, work hours, and general flexibility, and pay close attention to what information your interviewer shares — and doesn’t share. Take the time to fully understand the opportunity — both on a professional and personal level — before you sign on.
“How to Identify a Family-Friendly Employer,” by Suzanne Brown