Maternity & Parental Leave Management and the Labyrinth of Flexibility
For IKEA, we delivered a workshop focused on two closely interconnected topics: management of maternity and parental leave and the labyrinth of flexibility. These areas fundamentally shape work–life balance policies and cannot function separately — effective support for parents requires a well‑connected system of flexible forms of employment.
Together, we explored the most common barriers, concerns, and process‑related obstacles. We examined job families, options for flexible working arrangements, and their impact on operations and team dynamics. The workshop also resulted in a practical guide for managing maternity and parental leave, helping leaders navigate the topic and set fair, functional, and sustainable practices.
The workshop brought clearer orientation in a complex area, aligned approaches across teams, and strengthened a culture that not only accommodates parents at work but actively counts on them.