Why it’s hard to be a working parent and how Kentico makes it a breeze
At Kentico, supporting women and parents in the workplace isn't just a priority—it's a fundamental part of our company culture. We recognize that creating an inclusive and flexible work environment not only benefits our employees but also drives our overall success. This is why we actively participate in industry discussions and collaborate with organizations that share our commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Recently, two of our representatives, Gabriela Jakabová, our COO, and Marie Doskočilová, who leads our employer branding efforts, attended key industry events to discuss these important topics. Gabriela took part in a panel at an event organized by Smitio at JIC Brno, focusing on the challenges companies face in supporting parents, particularly in the absence of adequate state-provided childcare. Meanwhile, Marie contributed to a panel discussion during a Czechitas partner meeting, exploring strategies for inclusive employer branding and how to better attract and support women in the tech industry.
These events highlighted some crucial insights and actionable takeaways for businesses striving to create a more supportive environment for women and parents. At Kentico, we've been implementing many of these strategies, from offering flexible work arrangements to fostering an inclusive culture that actively encourages women to thrive in IT roles.
Below, we’ll dive into the key takeaways from these discussions and how Kentico is leading the way in supporting women in IT.
Key struggles for women in the Czech Republic. .
A lack of childcare.
Access to preschool care remains a significant issue for parents in the Czech Republic, often delaying mothers’ return to work. The lack of available spots in kindergartens, especially for younger children, means that mothers (thanks to their lower average wage than men) usually bear the brunt of childcare responsibilities.
Discussions at the Czechitas panel focused on offering solutions like corporate kindergartens or children’s groups as part of employee benefits, despite the long-term nature and administrative challenges of implementing these.
Inclusive employer branding and recruitment.
In her talk, Marie highlighted the importance of communicating an inclusive company culture that supports women’s specific needs and why it’s crucial to use inclusive language in recruitment efforts. For instance, referring to employees as “colleagues” and mentioning roles in ways that resonate with women can make a significant difference.
Kentico’s internal research shows that women notice whether the company’s communication, including on social media and the website, speaks directly to them. Open and inclusive communication can often be the deciding factor in accepting a job offer.
Marie also addressed imposter syndrome—a common feeling, especially among women, that their achievements are due to luck rather than skill. Companies should actively seek out and nurture female talent to help counter this mindset.
The two sides of gender quotas.
The topic of gender quotas in management and corporate representation remains divisive. While quotas aim to promote diversity, they can sometimes lead to perceptions that women are being hired solely to meet targets, potentially exacerbating imposter syndrome. However, research consistently shows that having at least 30% women in leadership positions is crucial for breaking the glass ceiling and fully harnessing their potential.
Talent satisfaction and retention among parents.
Parents, especially women, face unique challenges in the workplace. By providing flexibility, family-friendly events, paternity leave, and other tailored benefits, companies can greatly enhance employee satisfaction and retention.
In today’s competitive job market, where opportunities often outnumber applicants, businesses that prioritize supporting female talent and working parents gain a significant advantage. Satisfied employees are less likely to seek opportunities elsewhere.
How Kentico leads the way in supporting parents.
At Kentico, we are committed to continuously improving and creating an equitable environment for all colleagues. Here are some of the ways we support our colleagues with families.
Flexibility is key.
It's not just about offering remote work or part-time options; the real value lies in flexibility. Parents at Kentico especially appreciate flexible working hours, which allow them to balance work with family responsibilities. Whether it’s taking a child to a doctor’s appointment or adjusting to a school schedule, parents can manage their time effectively.
Kids are also welcome at the office, where they can enjoy a warm cocoa or organic syrup, play with the dogs, or watch the fish while they wait for home time.
Events for the whole family.
While weekend parties are great, they can be challenging for those without babysitting options. That’s why Kentico includes not just employees but their partners and children in company events. From Christmas and summer parties to St. Nicholas’ Day celebrations and tree planting, these activities help us connect with each other and experience Kentico’s culture in a family-friendly environment.
Benefits for peace of mind.
At Kentico, we understand that parents value benefits that reduce stress and provide peace of mind. Perks like unlimited sick days and vacation time mean there’s no need to worry about counting days for the holidays or pushing through a cold to save time off.
Our hybrid work setup also allows parents to easily work from home when their children are unwell, offering the flexibility to care for them without stress.
What’s more, new fathers receive an extra 2 weeks of vacation in addition to paternity leave, providing them with more time to bond with their newborns and support their partners.
Bazaar and other initiatives.
Kentico also offers a year-round bazaar, where parents can exchange outgrown clothes and toys. Everything is neatly sorted by size and age, making it easy to find what you need. There’s also a donation box where employees can contribute voluntarily for the items, with all proceeds going to the Children’s Hospital in Brno—raising tens of thousands of crowns so far.
Additionally, our MS Teams channel, "Kids," is a space where parents can share practical tips and advice with one another.
Join the work-life balance revolution.
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