Employees often hesitate to ask for support with family responsibilities due to fear of negative consequences for their reputation at work or their career opportunities. Particularly in smaller teams, they often also feel a strong sense of responsibility and do not want to be a burden to their employer or colleagues. Not seldom, these concerns already emerge in the family-planning stage and can lead employees to postpone parenthood to avoid negative reactions at work. Regular, open conversations can help reduce such concerns (see How to create a supportive workplace culture).
Did you know? Potential negative career implications are the most important factor for parents not taking longer parental leave, right after affordability. Mothers are more concerned about career implications than fathers, likely because they take much longer leave than fathers.
