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.
Listen to a new episode of the Anders Denken Podcast every last Thursday of the month. This podcast stimulates, informs and inspires in the field of Sustainable Employability.
Come work for paraDIGMA groep and help us make a difference in the field of Sustainable Employability!
RELATED POSTS
In episode #36 of the Anders Denken Podcast, we speak with Christiaan Vinkers, psychiatrist, professor of Stress and Resilience at Amsterdam UMC, and project leader of DESTRESS. An in-depth conversation about stress [...]
In episode #35 of the Anders Denken Podcast, we talk to Astrid Raspe, external confidential advisor at OffCourse. An open and insightful conversation about undesirable behavior, integrity, and the often [...]
In episode #34 of the Anders Denken Podcast, we speak with Bas Ruyssenaars, co-founder of the Institute for Brilliant Failures and CEO of YOU.FO. Bas has been helping organizations for over fifteen [...]
