Parents at Workhuman: Flexibility, Support, and Community in Action
Introduction
At Workhuman, we know that being a parent is one of the most rewarding — and challenging — jobs there is. Balancing school runs, work deadlines, and the countless little moments in between takes a community that truly understands. That’s why flexibility and support for parents are not just perks here — they’re part of who we are.
As the back-to-school season brings new routines (and new levels of coffee consumption), we spoke to members of our Parents at Workhuman (PAW) Employee Resource Group about how the company’s flexibility helps them thrive, both as professionals and as parents.
Flexibility That Makes a Difference
For many parents, Workhuman’s hybrid model is more than a convenience, it’s a pillar of support.
“The two days a week I work from home allow me to do the school drop-off for my youngest daughter,” shared David Burke, Senior Director, Global Talent Acquisition and Employer Branding, a dad of three in our Dublin office. “This simple little space in my weekly routine has allowed me to share extra conversations, excitement, and even tears with her — moments I never had with my older two when they were younger. These moments matter, and they mean a lot to me.”
Across the Atlantic, Lauren van Duyn, Manager, Recruitment, based in the U.S., agrees that flexibility allows her to show up for the big and small moments.
“I was able to be fully present for my daughter’s first day of kindergarten. On a day I would normally go into the office, I worked from home instead, so I could see her off and welcome her home to hear all about it. Knowing I didn’t have to be anxious about asking to WFH meant I could be fully present for her — and still fully productive during those school hours.”
Lauren’s daughter heading off for her very first day of kindergarten
For Daniyal Ahmed, Helpdesk Engineer, also in Dublin, hybrid work means staying involved in everyday family life.
“Every Monday and Friday I get to work from home, which allows me to do school runs among other things. It makes a vital difference overall.”
And sometimes, it’s not just the big milestones, but the day-to-day understanding that counts.
“I usually make it into the office around 9am and rarely stay past 4pm,” said Lauren. “I’ve never gotten sideways glances from anyone for not sticking to the traditional 9-to-5. That kind of trust makes a huge difference.”
David adds that Workhuman’s flexibility extends far beyond hybrid workdays.
“There’s always something that comes up, dentist appointments, parent-teacher meetings, school events. It can be stressful to work somewhere that forces you to choose between using annual leave or missing those moments. At Workhuman, parents are trusted to be accountable for their output. If that means stepping away mid-day for something important, you know you have the support of your leaders.”
A Culture That Sees the Whole Human
Workhuman’s culture is built around the belief that people are, first and foremost, human. That means recognizing that life outside work, including parenting, is part of what makes us who we are.
“We really promote our appreciation for employees as humans, caretakers, spouses, and friends,” said Lauren. “Any time I’ve needed flexibility for a sick kid or a tough day at home, I’ve only ever been met with kindness and concern for myself and my kids.”
Jen LeFort, a Launch Success Manager and mom in our U.S. office, was drawn to Workhuman for exactly that reason.
“One of the reasons I chose to work here is the incredible support they offer parents. From day one, Workhuman has shown unwavering understanding and flexibility, allowing me to thrive both as a mom and in my role.”
Jen’s daughter and son smiling on their first day back to school. A reminder of the everyday moments Workhuman parents never have to miss.
Daniyal, a dad based in Dublin, echoes that sentiment.
“I’ve always enjoyed great flexibility around balancing life at home and work, that’s what I love about Workhuman. My leadership has always been understanding of my need to attend to family matters, however pressing they might be.”
And David adds that the company’s “human-first” mindset extends to the everyday interactions that make remote and hybrid work feel personal.
“I know so many of my colleagues’ kids by face and name! They’ll often wander into video calls, usually looking for food, more screen time, or money! And people warmly receive them. It’s a simple thing, but it reinforces that the human is front and center here.”
The Power of the Parents at Workhuman ERG
Beyond company-wide flexibility, parents find support through the Parents at Workhuman ERG (PAW), a community designed to connect, encourage, and share resources among working parents.
For Jen, that sense of shared experience is invaluable.
“The support and encouragement we give and receive in our Slack channel means everything. Whether it’s sharing a proud moment or asking for advice when you’re feeling stuck, there’s always a mix of helpful tips and simple validation that you’re not alone.”
Lauren agrees, adding that the ERG makes Workhuman’s values tangible.
“The events PAW and the Workhuman Experience team put on help make my family feel like part of the Workhuman community, from family days to educational sessions. They bring to life what mom does when she’s away at work.”
Daniyal finds value in the simple act of sharing with other parents.
“Hearing from other parents, any tips or tricks, really helps tackle issues that I might otherwise struggle to solve.”
For David, the ERG’s family-focused events are what make the community truly special.
“The onsite holiday family days and offsite events like trips to the zoo or cinema bring your family into your workspace and connect them to the people you work with. It helps my kids understand what I do and why shared values and company culture matter, valuable life lessons as they grow.”
David, enjoying our kid's Halloween Party with his daughter.
And during the often chaotic back-to-school season, that community becomes a lifeline.
“I was especially anxious this year because my daughter was starting kindergarten,” said Lauren. “I posted about it in the Slack channel and received so many thoughtful comments and suggestions from other parents who’d been through it.”
David added that the range of perspectives in the group helps normalize every stage of parenting.
“Seeing people share their emotions — from sending kids off to their first day of school to starting college — reminds you that whatever you’re feeling is normal. Having that network to vent, laugh, or ask for advice is something I really value.”
Making Memories That Matter
Workhuman’s flexibility allows parents to show up for the moments that count. Both big and small.
“I never miss a ‘first’ anymore,” said David. “First day of school, first day back after holidays — I know I have the flexibility to make it work while still being accountable to both my family and my team.”
Jen adds that those moments are priceless:
“It means being able to go to my kids’ school conferences, cheer them on at school events, and listen to concerts in the middle of the day. Watching your kids scan the crowd until they see your smiling face, that’s everything.”
For Daniyal, the joy is in the everyday growth.
“Seeing my son so excited to start school, making new friends, and wanting to learn, it’s those moments that remind you why this balance matters.”
A Culture That Understands
When asked to describe Workhuman’s support for parents in one word, our parents answered with heart:
“Genuine.” “Flexible.” “Caring.” “Bespoke.”
And the Parents at Workhuman ERG?
“Validation.” “Understanding.” “Supportive.” “Therapy.”
For David, that balance sums it up best:
“Being a working parent at Workhuman means I’m not forced to put work or family ahead of the other. If I’m fully accountable for both, I’m given the space to make it work.”
Final Thoughts from Our Parents
We asked our Workhuman parents what advice they’d give others navigating the back-to-school juggle.
“Be honest about what you need, and lean on others. Very likely another parent in your community is dealing with something similar,” said Lauren.
“Everyone’s parenting journey is different,” added Jen. “There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, so don’t be afraid to ask for what you need.”
Daniyal offered simple but powerful advice:
“Take a reasonable amount of time to attend and be part of your kids’ school activities as well as their extracurricular ones. These moments are fleeting, being present matters more than perfection.”
And in David’s words:
“Relax and enjoy it all, even the stressful moments. To quote Ferris Beuller (showing my age here) "Life moves pretty fast, if you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
At Workhuman, our culture of trust and humanity gives parents the space to do just that, so stop, look around, and be present for what matters most.
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