6 ways employers can support working parents during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak

The consequences of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak are being felt around the world. For many children, this means having to cope with disrupted education, family illness and loss of household income – things that disproportionately affect girls and boys from the poorest families.

By giving working parents the time and support they need to care for their children, workplace family-friendly policies – like paid parental leave, paid sick leave and flexible work arrangements help reduce the burden on children.

Here are six ways employers can support parents working to care for themselves, their children and their families during the COVID-19 outbreak:

1. Assess whether current workplace policies effectively support families.

Are existing policies supportive enough for families? Start by identifying the most pressing needs of working parents. Specific focus should be placed on vulnerable groups, such as temporary, informal, migrant, pregnant or nursing workers, workers with disabilities and those who lack access to benefits like paid sick leave.

Luka, 8, plays with stuffed animals, while his mother works on her laptop. © UNICEF/UNI313392/McIlwaine

2. Grant flexible work arrangements.

Flexible work arrangements give workers freedom over when and where they fulfil their job responsibilities. Because the needs of working parents can vary greatly, different types of flexible work arrangements support parents to care for their children and families. Flexible work arrangements include teleworking, compressing the work week or ensuring protected long-term leave so that workers can care for relatives who are sick, elderly or live with disabilities.

3. Promote good hygiene in and out of the workplace.

For parents who perform essential on-site duties, employers can protect them by maintaining clean and hygienic workplaces, and providing handwashing stations with running water and soap, or alcohol-based hand rubs where washing facilities are not readily available. Working mothers should be supported to continue breastfeeding in clean and comfortable breastfeeding facilities. Employers can also help protect all workers – including those who work remotely – by sharing key messages on prevention measures, travel guidance and ways to talk to their children about the virus.

4. Provide workers with guidance on how to seek medical support.

Employers can help direct workers who may be experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 to medical providers and services. For example, employers can clearly communicate the addresses and phone numbers of local hospitals, health authorities and emergency hotlines. They can also provide workers with guidance for safe transport to health-care providers.

5. Help workers and their families cope with stress.

Workplaces should provide special support for workers who feel anxious, confused or scared during the COVID-19 outbreak. They can also support working parents who are helping their children cope with anxiety and fear. Employers should ensure that only information from reliable sources is shared, and that all workers have access to psychosocial services. They should also give working parents the time and resources they need to comfort and care for their children. This includes providing helpful tools that encourage talk, play and other forms of stimulation that children need from caregivers.

Luka, 8, has a moment of silliness while working on a book report at home. © UNICEF/UNI313388/McIlwaine

6. Reduce financial burdens should workers or their family members fall ill with COVID-19.

Reducing the potential financial burdens of the COVID-19 outbreak for working parents is critical. Support measures can include employment protection, paid sick leave and economic transfers like child benefits and subsidies for health expenditures. Vulnerable groups such as low-income and informal workers should be provided with particular support.

Other useful resources:

Quick FAQs about COVID-19

What is a 'novel' coronavirus?

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A novel coronavirus (CoV) is a new strain of coronavirus. The disease caused by the novel coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, China, has been named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) – ‘CO’ stands for corona, ‘VI’ for virus, and ‘D’ for disease.

Formerly, this disease was referred to as ‘2019 novel coronavirus’ or ‘2019-nCoV.’ The COVID-19 virus is a new virus linked to the same family of viruses as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and some types of common cold.

How does the COVID-19 virus spread?

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The virus is transmitted through direct contact with respiratory droplets of an infected person (generated through coughing and sneezing), and touching surfaces contaminated with the virus. The COVID-19 virus may survive on surfaces for several hours, but simple disinfectants can kill it.

What are the symptoms of novel coronavirus?

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Symptoms can include fever, cough and shortness of breath. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia or breathing difficulties. More rarely, the disease can be fatal.

These symptoms are similar to the flu (influenza) or the common cold, which are a lot more common than COVID-19. This is why testing is required to confirm if someone has COVID-19.

It’s important to remember that key prevention measures are the same – frequent hand washing, and respiratory hygiene (cover your cough or sneeze with a flexed elbow or tissue, then throw away the tissue into a closed bin). Also, there is a vaccine for the flu – so remember to keep yourself and your child up to date with vaccinations.

How can I avoid the risk of infection?

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Here are four precautions you and your family can take to avoid infection:

1. Wash your hands frequently using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub
2. Cover your mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue, when coughing or sneezing, and throw away the tissue into a closed bin
3. Avoid close contact with anyone who has cold or flu-like symptoms
4. Go to the doctor if you have a fever, cough or feel that it is difficult to breathe

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UNICEF works for the survival, protection and development of children worldwide through fundraising, advocacy, education and international development programs.

6 ways employers can support working parents during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak

1. Assess whether current workplace policies effectively support families.

2. Grant flexible work arrangements.

3. Promote good hygiene in and out of the workplace.

4. Provide workers with guidance on how to seek medical support.

5. Help workers and their families cope with stress.

6. Reduce financial burdens should workers or their family members fall ill with COVID-19.

Quick FAQs about COVID-19

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