Remote Working Archives | Novative

Parental Leave in the 2020s | Adapting to Modern Family Needs

Heba Bakr — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 10:29:00 +0000

This decade has brought significant changes to parental leave policies around the world. Governments and companies alike are recognising that to support modern working families, traditional leave policies need to evolve.

From expanded leave for both parents to flexible work arrangements, these changes are shaping a more inclusive environment.

This blog explores how laws are evolving to meet modern family needs, with examples of countries leading these reforms.

Expanding Parental Leave for Dads

In the past, maternity leave was the primary focus, while paternity leave was often limited or non-existent. However, in the 2020s, more countries are expanding policies to ensure fathers can take time off to be with newborns.

For example, in 2022, Japan introduced a new act granting fathers the right to take up to four weeks of paid paternity leave following the birth of their child. Since this act the Percentage new fathers taking paternity leave increased from has doubled according to Statista.

While also in 2020, the UAE became the first Arab country to offer paternity leave to private sector employees. This made fathers entitled to five working days of parental leave, to be taken within the first six months of their child’s birth.

Flexible and Inclusive Parental Leave

The 2020s are also seeing more flexible and inclusive parental leave options. This includes policies that allow parents to take time off intermittently rather than in one continuous block. As a result, flexibility helps parents juggle the demands of both work and childcare, making the return to work smoother.

Moreover, policies are becoming more inclusive of non-traditional families, such as adoptive parents.As of January 2023, Swiss parents who adopt a child under 4 can take two weeks of paid adoption leave. In addition, payments are handled through the Social Loss of Earnings Allowance System.

Remote & Hybrid Work

The pandemic at the start of this decade has normalised remote work, and this has had a significant impact on how working parents manage both their professional and personal lives. Consequently, many companies now offer remote or hybrid work options, allowing parents to work from home, which can ease the transition back to work.

The Future of Parental Leave

Looking ahead, the future of parental leave and support for working families appears promising, with advocacy for policy changes gaining momentum. Many organisations and movements are pushing for national government policies that support paid parental leave. Several trends and developments are shaping this evolving landscape, and here’s what we can expect:

Increased Focus on Inclusivity

Increased Focus on Inclusivity
Future policies will likely be more inclusive, recognising the diverse structures of modern families. This includes not just recognising non-birthing parents but also supporting single parents, adoptive families.

Enhanced Flexibility

Flexibility will continue to be a key feature of parental leave policies. Companies may offer various options, such as phased returns to work, extended leave periods, and the ability to use leave intermittently.

Integration of Technology

Advancements in technology will play a significant role in shaping parental leave. Companies might utilise digital platforms Such as Novasmrt’s to manage leave requests, provide resources for new parents, and offer virtual support services, making it easier for families to access the support they need.

Workplace Culture Shifts

The future will likely see a cultural shift within organisations, where supporting parents becomes a core value. This shift can foster an environment of empathy and understanding, encouraging open discussions about the challenges of balancing work and family life.

Conclusion |

In Conclusion, the 2020s have ushered in a new era of parental leave that is more inclusive, flexible, and responsive to the diverse needs of modern families. As companies adapt to these evolving expectations, managing parental leave efficiently has become more complex, particularly for global organisations navigating diverse regulations. To meet these demands, many are turning to technology for support. Innovative solutions like Novasmart’s absance management software offer a streamlined way to handle leave policies, ensuring compliance across regions while providing a smoother experience for both employers and employees in this rapidly evolving landscape.

The post Parental Leave in the 2020s | Adapting to Modern Family Needs appeared first on Novative.

Managing global teams | Insights from a Novative International leader

Heba Bakr — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 08:42:45 +0000

In today’s global market, companies are diving headfirst by taking their operations across borders and cultures. With Novative’s legacy of operating on a global scale for more than 30 years across 5 continents, it is only fitting for us to impart some of our expert approaches as we had our fair share of navigating a wide range of challenges and opportunities managing global team members.

And with our sales and marketing director, Patricia Maniscalco, having been with us for 15 years and counting, we wanted to ask her a few questions that might help other managers looking to carve their path in the ever-evolving global marketplace.

#1 How do you tackle the twists and turns of managing an international team?

Understanding and respecting cultural differences remains a priority for me. I try to be aware of varying communication styles, work habits, and expectations across different cultures. I also want to share their cultural practices and learn from each other.

I think it is very important to establish clear communication channels. I use a combination of written communication (emails, messages), and real-time communication tools (video conferences, chat apps) to keep everyone connected.

What is the most difficult is to deal with the time zones, particularly when scheduling meetings and setting deadlines. But despite these difficulties the most important thing in my eyes is transparency and trust.

#2 In what ways has working with an international team impacted your journey at Novative?

We learn so much when we work with international players. We gain insights into communication, open-mindedness, and it is a wonderful experience. What I have learned is that I need to be careful about the words I use and the message I want to dispatch. I need to think about my message to avoid misunderstandings.

#3 Ever faced the challenge of managing people from different cultural backgrounds? How did you handle it?

It is the first time I have managed such a diverse range of cultures. I have worked with Swiss, American, English, German, French, Tunisian, Egyptian, and Moroccan people, and each of them has their own culture and way of working. What remains consistent, though, is honesty. Being honest and fair with people transcends cultural differences.

#4 How do you ensure every team member feels heard and valued?

I try to be available and organize a one-to-one meeting every month for each employee. We also aim to arrange a coffee break to speak about everything to better get to know each other.

We need to be more connected when managing people based in different countries. However, as a manager, it’s not always easy to allocate enough time to everybody and this can be frustrating at times.

#5 How do you measure success especially when working across borders? Any unique twists from the usual office setup?

To achieve success, is to communicate and work closely with your team. All employees can propose ideas or improvements, with feedback and communication being the most important elements.

Conclusion - Managing global teams

In conclusion, Patricia Maniscalco’s insights from her extensive experience at Novative provide an emphasis on the crucial role of cultural awareness, transparent communication, and trust-building for those trying to carve their path in the ever-evolving global marketplace with the following Key takeaways:

Takeaway#1 focus on cultural awareness and communication

Takeaway#2 Honesty and fairness transcend cultural boundaries

Takeaway#3 Ensures that every team member feels heard and valued

Takeaway#4 Communication and Collaboration are the keys to success

Diversity in the Hospitality Industry: How to Promote It

#1 How do you tackle the twists and turns of managing an international tea

#2 In what ways has working with an international team impacted your journey at Novative?

#3 Ever faced the challenge of managing people from different cultural backgrounds? How did you handle it?

#4 How do you ensure every team member feels heard and valued?

I try to be available and organize a one-to-one meeting every month for each employee. We also aim to arrange a coffee break to speak about everything to better get to know each other.

#5 How do you measure success especially when working across borders? Any unique twists from the usual office setup?

Promoting diversity in the hospitality industry is not a quick fix. It’s an ongoing process that requires you to set diversity-related goals and establish metrics to measure progress in the process. Regularly review data on employee performance, employee satisfaction, and retention rates to identify areas that need improvement.

Another tip is to seek regular feedback from your team and create opportunities for open discussions, as we mentioned above, by building a bond of trust.

Takeaway#1 focus on cultural awareness and communication

Takeaway#2 Honesty and fairness transcend cultural boundaries

Takeaway#3 Ensures that every team member feels heard and valued

Takeaway#4 Communication and Collaboration are the keys to success

diversity in the hospitality industry

#1 How do you tackle the twists and turns of managing an international team?

#2 In what ways has working with an international team impacted your journey at Novative?

#3 Ever faced the challenge of managing people from different cultural backgrounds? How did you handle it?

#4 How do you ensure every team member feels heard and valued?

I try to be available and organize a one-to-one meeting every month for each employee. We also aim to arrange a coffee break to speak about everything to better get to know each other.

#5 How do you measure success especially when working across borders? Any unique twists from the usual office setup?

To achieve success, is to communicate and work closely with your team. All employees can propose ideas or improvements, with feedback and communication being the most important elements.

Conclusion - managing global teams

Takeaway#1 focus on cultural awareness and communication

Takeaway#2 Honesty and fairness transcend cultural boundaries

Takeaway#3 Ensures that every team member feels heard and valued

Takeaway#4 Communication and Collaboration are the keys to success

The post Managing global teams | Insights from a Novative International leader appeared first on Novative.