The international day of families is celebrated every year on 15 May. This day was established by the United Nations in 1993 to emphasize the importance of families in society and draw attention to the challenges families face.
For remote workers, this day holds special meaning. Working from home offers unique opportunities to spend more time with your family, but it also brings challenges. The boundary between work and private life can blur, making it difficult to have quality time with your family.
Many companies and organizations pay extra attention on this day to family-friendly policies. Think of flexible working hours, parental leave, opportunities for part-time work or hybrid work models. These are all ways employers can support families.
Remote work can contribute to better work-life balance, but only if you consciously set boundaries. Ensure you have fixed working hours, create a separate workspace and communicate clearly with your family about when you’re available.
This day is a great opportunity to reflect on how your work and family life influence each other. Talk with your employer about what you need to be able to combine both. And remember that a happy family life contributes to better performance at work.
Families come in many shapes and sizes. Whether you’re a single parent, part of a traditional family or have another living arrangement, this day is about valuing the bond with your loved ones.