Blog Categories

Employment Background Check Guidelines: Complying with the Fair Credit Reporting Act, conducting credit background checks and running a criminal check to avoid negligent-hiring lawsuits

Time off for kid's school functions?

By John Wilcox, Moderator
8/28/2007 - 4:30am
HR Management

John Wilcox, Moderator

Follow John on

John Wilcox is senior editor of 15 HR Specialist newsletters covering employment law, compensation and benefits, as well as theHRSpecialist.com. A journalist who has covered HR, training, organization development and business management for more than 15 years, John keeps his finger on the pulse of what’s working in HR through daily contact with some of the nation’s top HR pros, business people and employment law attorneys.

View all articles by John Wilcox, Moderator

Question: "It's back-to-school time, which means a lot of parents in our plant are going to need to take time off for various school-related activities. Trouble is, we're in a relatively small community and most of our kids go to the same schools, which means everybody needs time off at the same time. Any suggestions on how to handle this so we can keep our plant running smoothly and be good parents?" -- A.G., Alabama

Comments

We have this same problem a few years ago. We decided the one with the most senority was the one to take time off for the school events. Even for myself it was hard because I didn't get to go to some of my kids events.

Posted by: D Daniels | August 29, 2007 at 08:52 AM

Here's an opportunity to be an "employer of choice" and look good to customers - if indeed everyone needs "to be gone at the same time" - (if that means the same day), give them a floating holiday to use for school conferences on that day. You can plan on closing that day, leaving a message on phones, e-mails, etc., saying "We value our associates and encourage their involvement in their children's education - therefore we are closed to day to give them time to attend parent-teacher conferences." What customer would take issue with that sort of dedication? Plus, wouldn't that really make employees feel pretty special! Win = Win

Posted by: Kathy | August 29, 2007 at 11:25 AM

It's so hard for employees to have to choose between being a good employee and a good parent. As employers, we should encourage parent involvement, because the end result will be healthier, happier, and overall better employees.

Posted by: K.M. | September 07, 2007 at 05:20 AM

Would it be helpful to hire some temporary employees to fill in "the gaps?"
Or the employees could take turns taking days off.
It is important for employers to understand and encourage parental involvement. It provides a happier working environment and a better community.

Posted by: JC | September 12, 2007 at 01:02 PM

Tags: customers, employees

Employment Background Check Guidelines: Complying with the Fair Credit Reporting Act, conducting credit background checks and running a criminal check to avoid negligent-hiring lawsuits