Dirty Words at Work
Chapter 2: Family
noun: Family
- A group consisting of parents and children living together in a household.
- All the descendants of a common ancestor.
Family is another “dirty word,” or taboo topic in the work place. HR departments harp on “work-life balance,” and the health of their employees. However, the actions of many companies, especially in the United States, sheds a different light on these goals.
From the perspective of business, family is a topic not to be discussed at work. But even more so, businesses view family as a distraction that can negatively impact employee productivity.
The most prominent example is the controversial topic of offspring.
Employees Pay for Outdated Thinking
It’s illegal to ask a woman if she’s pregnant or is planning to be during an interview. And it’s for good reason. However, that doesn’t stop employers from limiting women (and men) in the workplace who plan on starting families. America is considerably behind many European counterparts when it comes to family leave, especially following childbirth.
Some employers view family negatively. Some might even minimize or downplay family as much as possible in the workplace. The very idea of having a child, spouse, dependent parent, or other at home relationship can be viewed as a conflict to workplace efforts. It’s surprising that this trend continues, despite the efforts to improve freethinking, diversity, and the ongoing battle for equal rights.
But So Do Employers
This outdated thinking is a problem. There is significant evidence suggesting that employees are better workers when they are satisfied with their life, career and interpersonal goals. Employers can create more effective and satisfied employees by encouraging and supporting their employees and being flexible with their family needs. This is especially meaningful if an employee’s passion is their children or family. The logic is undeniable.
This toxic belief system attributed to families is visible everywhere. When a woman or man has to take off their wedding ring off during an interview to increase their chances of getting a job, it can be argued that the disdain and distrust for employees with families is alive and well. There is further evidence of this issue. Even today, women and men at times feel obligated to hide an expectant birth for fear of repercussions.
Some workplaces go so far as to discourage the decoration of work spaces with photos or remembrances of family.
Family is still viewed negatively in the workplace. A disheartening reality, despite the efforts of the last half-century.
What happened to bring your kid to work day?
Celebrated days such as “bring your kid to work day” are losing traction in the workplace. Less and less are they an opportunity for children to learn about careers, have a glimpse into their parents lives at work, and grow as people. Instead, many employers avoid them through policy decisions. Instead of honoring the day, employers consider it an inconvenience to avoid.
Conventional wisdom might support what many have come to experience in the workplace; that family as a concept and a label reduces productivity and is a liability to having productive workers. Unfortunately for businesses that believe this to be true, research and data reveals the opposite.
Employees produce better, faster, and more effectively when they enjoy their job and have a healthy, stable family life.
In order to best take advantage of this concept, employers should take a stronger role in supporting the family lives of their employees. Not only does this help reduce burnout and improve job satisfaction, but it improves their own bottom line and employee retention.