Chambers Ireland and UNICEF are calling for more 'family-friendly' workplaces.
In a joint statement, they said the pandemic has put additional pressure on employees and their children.
They said that in order to protect the productivity and longevity of their employees, businesses need to invest in measures to promote the wellbeing of all involved.
Chambers Ireland and UNICEF Ireland have launched a guide, adapted from a document released by the International Chamber of Commerce and UNICEF, which includes measures that businesses can take to achieve both short- and long-term positive impacts in the workplace.
Ian Talbot, Chambers Ireland Chief Executive, and ICC Ireland Secretary General, said the pandemic has put "tremendous strain" on working families, particularly when faced with schools and childcare services shutting to limit the spread of the virus.
"Parents over the past three months, and indeed for many months last year, have had to juggle the obligations of their jobs and businesses, while also homeschooling and caring for children. For businesses to adapt, flexibility is crucial.
"Our message today is that this flexibility will be needed not only for the duration of the pandemic, but also in the longer term.
"By addressing the needs of working families and supporting global relief efforts, we will ensure a faster collective recovery from the crisis and bolster your reputation and credibility as a trusted employer," he said.
Peter Power, UNICEF Ireland Executive Director said that restrictions on free movement and the socio-economic fallout of the crisis put children at heightened risk of abuse, neglect and violence.
"In the context of school and childcare closures, domestic care responsibilities for working parents, especially women, have increased considerably during the crisis.
"By giving working parents the time, information, services and resources that they need to cope with the crisis, family-friendly policies and practices can make a critical difference.
"They also make an important contribution to wider social protection," he said.
