In this episode of the HR Insights Podcast, Stuart Elliott speaks with Sarah Meier, Founder & CEO of Parents@work, and Partner Celine Hendrick about supporting working parents and creating workplace cultures that better recognise the realities of balancing career and family life.
Founded following Sarah’s own experiences returning to work after becoming a parent, Parents@work was created to help organisations better support employees navigating parenthood through peer coaching, communication, and personal development programmes.
As organisations continue focusing on employee wellbeing, inclusion, and retention, the discussion explores why supporting working parents has become an increasingly important part of talent strategy and workplace culture.
Throughout the episode, Stuart, Sarah, and Celine discuss the challenges many parents face when returning to work, including loneliness, career uncertainty, balancing responsibilities, and concerns around progression and flexibility.
The conversation also examines the gender dynamics often associated with parenting within the workplace and why creating more empathetic and family-friendly cultures benefits not only employees, but organisations more broadly through improved loyalty, engagement, and retention.
Alongside discussions around leadership and workplace culture, the episode explores how organisations can better support parents through structured programmes, open communication, and greater understanding from managers and leadership teams.
The discussion offers valuable insight for organisations looking to create more inclusive, supportive, and family-friendly workplace environments.
Who are Sarah Meier and Celine Hendrick?
Sarah Meier is the Founder & CEO of Parents@work, an organisation focused on supporting working parents through coaching, development, and workplace culture initiatives.
Celine Hendrick is a Partner at Parents@work and works closely with organisations to help improve support structures, communication, and employee experience for working parents returning to and progressing within the workplace.
Key timestamps:
- 01:30 — Introduction to Sarah Meier
- 04:55 — Introduction to Celine Hendrick
- 17:55 — The biggest challenges facing working parents
- 21:00 — Gender differences and parenting in the workplace
- 26:40 — How organisations can better support working parents
- 28:40 — Building empathy for parents at work
- 33:05 — Parents within talent strategy discussions
- 37:00 — Advice for individuals concerned about career progression and family
- 42:50 — Parents@work’s three key processes
- 46:20 — Advice for organisations supporting working parents
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