How the Back-to-School Season Impacts Time-Off and Sick Leave For Working Parents

As the back-to-school season approaches, many of us feel the shift in routines. Whether navigating new school schedules, coordinating drop-offs and pick-ups, or managing extracurricular activities, this time of year often brings changes for employees that can ripple into the workplace. For employers, it’s the perfect time to proactively remind staff about essential workplace policies—particularly those related to requesting time off, calling in sick, and handling last-minute schedule changes.

Here’s why back-to-school season offers an ideal moment to revisit these policies:

1. Increased Schedule Adjustments

With children returning to school, employees may need more flexibility than usual to accommodate changing family routines. Encouraging employees to revisit policies on requesting time off or exploring flexible work arrangements helps set clear expectations. It also opens up conversations between employees and managers, preventing last-minute misunderstandings.

2. Illnesses and Sick Days

Schools are often a breeding ground for the latest cold, flu, or stomach bug. As kids return to class, the likelihood of employees needing to take sick days for themselves or their children increases. This is a great time to remind your team about the New York State Sick Leave policy, ensuring they understand their rights to paid sick leave and the proper procedures for calling in sick or requesting time off. This helps avoid unnecessary stress and ensures compliance with state regulations during this hectic time of year. It’s also a good time to remind employees when scheduling doctors and dentist appointments, whether for themselves or family members, to schedule any time off needed as far in advance as possible.

3. Balancing Work and Family Responsibilities

Employees may find themselves in a tight spot, juggling work responsibilities with unexpected school-related issues—a call from the nurse’s office or a last-minute parent-teacher conference. This is a great time to ensure employees understand their options, whether taking paid leave, accessing paid sick time, or utilizing other resources your company might offer to support work-life balance.

As remote work continues to be a popular option, especially during busy seasons like back-to-school, employers must ensure that employees understand the expectations for working remotely. Clear communication is key—setting guidelines on availability, managing workloads, or maintaining regular check-ins with team members. Encouraging employees to establish a dedicated workspace and prioritize work-life balance can boost productivity while supporting their well-being. Additionally, revisiting policies related to remote work, such as equipment use and cybersecurity, helps ensure that both the company and employees are protected, fostering a smooth and efficient remote work experience.

5. Reinforcing Open Communication

An often-overlooked benefit of revisiting policies during the back-to-school season is the opportunity to foster open lines of communication. Let your employees know that you’re aware of their challenges and encourage them to come forward with any concerns or questions about managing work and family commitments. Reinforcing a culture of support and understanding can boost morale and create a more resilient team.

In some industries, the fall marks the beginning of a busier season. Reminding employees to stay on top of time-off requests and ensuring supervisors properly manage their team’s time can help the business stay productive and meet its operational goals even when schedules are in flux.

How to Make the Most of This Opportunity

If you’re an employer, this is an excellent time to gently remind your staff of these expectations through a company-wide email or a quick team meeting, highlighting the key policies and resources available. Please use this opportunity to ensure everyone is on the same page and show your commitment to helping employees balance their work and home lives as the school year begins.

By addressing these topics proactively, employers can minimize disruptions, enhance workplace productivity, and show genuine support for their employees’ well-being. It’s a small effort that can pay dividends in fostering a positive work environment later in the year.