Creating a flexible working environment for new parents can benefit both employees and businesses. Whether you are a business owner, or a new parent wanting to share ideas with your boss, Southern Cross have 5 top tips to helping new parents.

5 tips to help new parents

Creating a flexible working environment for new parents can benefit both employees and businesses. For businesses looking to better accommodate new parents, here are five top tips to help:

1) Make sure you communicate entitlements often and early

Be proactive about showing your support and discussing parental entitlements. It sets the tone, tells your team you care and encourages those who are expecting a child to talk to you.

2) Stay in contact during maternity leave

Catch up with employees on maternity leave and invite them to join you for team activities or training days (while also reassuring them there's no obligation). Maintaining a connection can make it easier for returning parents to transition back to work or give you an early indication that they may want to delay their return or not to return at all.

3) Be prepared for misfortune

Not all pregnancies will go to plan. Miscarriages and illness do happen, so be prepared to offer what support you can, and remind those in need if you have an EAP assistance programme or counseling option.

4) Offer employee funded health insurance

Some Southern Cross plans may provide cover towards obstetrics, plus newborns can be added to an existing Southern Cross policy. Best of all, after the first two children, additional children can be added for free. 1

5) Be flexible - it benefits the business

Showing your support by offering flexible hours, providing a private, clean space at work where mothers can express milk or breastfeed; and supporting parents with the emotional struggle of daycare, will all be appreciated

Details on the plans, terms, conditions and exclusions can be found on www.southerncross.co.nz/society/buying-health-insurance/our-plans