Work and parenthood: more than a scheduling issue | Different Thinking Podcast #32 with Carlijne Joosten

In episode #32 of the Anders Denken Podcast we talk with Carlijne Joosten, founder of Hotel Souplesse and specialist in the field of working parenthood. From her own experience and research, she shows that parenting in the workplace is much more than arranging leave or flexible working hours.

From change to transition

Too often, many organizations still view parenting as a temporary change: pregnancy, birth, leave and return. But according to Carlijne, this is a profound transition that affects identity, motivation and collaboration. The talk shows how important it is for employers and managers to be mindful of this development.

The blind spot of organizations

Although leave arrangements and part-time work are getting better, research shows that:

The conclusion: in practice, working parenting is still often a blind spot.

From balance to suppleness

Carlijne emphasizes that it is not about a perfect work-life balance. "Balance is an illusion. It's about agility: learning to shift gears, divide energy and make room for the different roles you perform."

From policy to dialogue

Organizations that want to retain their talent can better see working parenthood as part of talent development and leadership. Not by reducing it to a scheduling issue, but by engaging in conversation, letting go of assumptions and truly supporting parents at different stages of life.

🎧 Curious about Carline's insights and practical tools? Listen below to episode #32 of the Different Thinking Podcast.