Mohamed Elsheemy, a Senior Consulting Manager with NECS Consultancy, raises awareness of International Childfree Day and how employers can provide support.
“August 1st is International Childfree Day, a day dedicated to understanding and supporting individuals and couples who have chosen not to have children. It celebrates the lives of childfree individuals and aims to foster acceptance of the childfree decision within our society. The reasons behind choosing to be childfree are diverse and deeply personal, ranging from social, philosophical and moral considerations to economic, medical and environmental factors. Everyone’s decision is a nuanced blend of these elements.
“While family-oriented workplace policies are essential, it’s crucial to ensure that childfree employees feel equally valued and supported.”
Understanding International Childfree Day: Q&A
What is the definition of “Childfree”?
“The term “childfree” originated in 1901, gained popularity in 1973 and achieved international recognition in 2013. The suffix “-free” denotes the freedom of choice. A childfree person has never had a child and does not wish to become a parent. The decision is personal and not intending to influence others’ choices about having children. People can choose to be childfree at various stages of their lives, and this choice is often based on personal, lifestyle or philosophical reasons.
When do people realise that they are childfree?
“Some have always known they did not want children. Others may embrace the childfree status after facing challenges or reassessing that parenthood is not for them. Some find that they are content and fulfilled without becoming parents.
Is choosing not to have children selfish?
“Everyone deserves bodily autonomy, access to sexual and reproductive healthcare and the right to choose if and when they want to have children. Many individuals spend considerable time and thought before deciding not to have children. In fact, many childfree individuals are motivated by a desire to contribute to society in other meaningful ways.
Can life still have purpose without children?
“Absolutely! Parenthood can be a wonderful and fulfilling experience and we should support those who choose to have children. However, many who decide to be childfree find purpose and fulfilment in other areas, such as volunteering, pursuing passions and contributing to their communities.”
How can managers support childfree employees?
“Here are some practical steps employers can take to foster an inclusive environment:
- Plan reasonable parental leave coverage – Work with the team to manage workloads when an employee takes parental leave. Consider dividing responsibilities to ensure a smooth transition and minimise disruption.
- Offer flexibility without judgment – Flexibility should be equally available to all employees, not just those with children. Recognise and accommodate the diverse personal responsibilities of childfree employees, such as volunteering, helping a neighbour or pet care.
- Model transparency – Lead by example by openly sharing when you take time off for personal reasons. This normalises flexibility for all personal needs and fosters a culture of psychological safety.
- Be mindful of language – Focus on people rather than labels. Avoid commenting on or questioning someone’s child status and respect their privacy unless they choose to discuss it.
“We know how much our people bring to NECS and how valuable their contribution is to our customers and the wider communities we serve.”
Ian Davison, NECS Deputy Managing Director, added: “We know how much our people bring to NECS and how valuable their contribution is to our customers and the wider communities we serve. We are proud to support all of our people through our Employer Value Proposition which prioritises being inclusive and ensures all employees feel equally valued and supported.”