School’s Out, Flexibility’s In: Why the summer holidays are a true test of workplace culture
As the school summer holidays begin across the UK, the excitement from children is palpable – and so is the pressure on working parents. Between coordinating childcare, managing workloads and trying to squeeze in a bit of family time, many parents enter this season already stretched thin.
But this isn’t just a parenting issue. It’s a culture issue. And the organisations that get it right – those that embrace empathy, flexibility and trust – don’t just support families. They build better workplaces for everyone.
Why Summer Highlights the Realities of Working Life
During term time, it’s already a balancing act. But when schools break up, that delicate balance often tips. Holiday clubs aren’t always affordable or available. Grandparents may not live nearby. And even the most supportive manager can’t magically add hours to the day.
The emotional weight is just as heavy: guilt for stepping away from work, guilt for not being fully present with your children and a constant sense of falling short somewhere.
And yet, the real takeaway here isn’t just how hard it is to be a working parent. It’s how urgently workplaces need to evolve to meet people where they are – not where outdated structures expect them to be.
What the Data Tells Us
We’re not talking about a niche group. In the UK:
76% of mothers and 92% of fathers with dependent children are in work (ONS, Families and the Labour Market, UK: 2021)
One-third of working parents report above average stress levels
At the same time, flexibility has proven benefits. Parents using flexible working report improved work-life balance, better mental wellbeing and increased productivity.
The impact is clear: when people have more control over their time, everyone wins.
This Isn’t Just About Parents
School holidays might bring the issue to the surface – but the need for flexibility and trust goes far beyond parenting.
Employees caring for elderly relatives often face similar scheduling pressures.
Mental health needs don’t follow a calendar – they need space and time to be managed well.
People without children benefit from summer hours too – whether that’s for rest, recharging or simply switching off.
A workplace culture grounded in empathy, autonomy and integrity supports the full spectrum of human needs.
How Forward-Thinking Companies Are Responding
At The Harris Poll UK, A Stagwell Company, we know life doesn’t stop when the workday starts. That’s why we’ve created practical policies to meet this moment:
A summer hours scheme and enhanced annual leave policy for increased flexibility.
A culture of trust, where people are empowered to make choices that balance life and work.
Open conversations about caregiving responsibilities, mental health and personal needs.
It’s not just about offering flexibility. It’s about normalising it – so that invoking flexibility isn’t a bold move, it’s just how we work. And that’s what creates culture.
Let’s be clear, this isn’t just a win for employees; our business gains too. When our culture embraces individuals with outside family and life responsibilities, we see high-calibre teams develop that rise to the challenging demands of any situation. They can do this because they’ve mastered the transference of skills such as adaptability, negotiations, scheduling conflicts, creativity, diplomacy and patience which they bring from the living room to the workplace daily.
A Call to Action for Leaders
As the school gates close for summer, take a closer look at how your organisation shows up for its people.
Are your flexible working policies real, or just policy?
Are your managers trained to lead with empathy?
Are your employees empowered to speak up when life outside work needs attention?
The answers to these questions define more than your summer – they shape your culture.
This summer let’s remember that real life doesn’t pause for work, and empathy isn’t seasonal. By embedding trust, flexibility and humanity into our cultures – not just as perks, but as pillars – we build workplaces where everyone thrives. Parents, carers, those looking after mental health and colleagues simply seeking balance – this is for them, too.
Let’s lead with understanding and design organisations that work for life – not just for work because the magic of summer shouldn’t come at the cost of a bad culture. And a little empathy goes a long way.
The Harris Poll UK, A Stagwell Company, is a leading market research company with over 25 years’ experience providing some of the UK’s best-loved brands with game-changing insights. Our consultancy services utilise a combination of proprietary software and research expertise to deliver data insights via custom programmes. We help our clients make informed decisions based on our in-depth industry knowledge and our continual exploration of evolving consumer needs and priorities. We know that when a company’s Business Strategy and Customer Strategy are one and the same, their brand and their employees are better placed to succeed.
Get in touch with us to discuss your brand strategies and how to position yourself as a leader in your industry.