According to recent research in the UK, parents are increasingly struggling to balance their work responsibilities with the challenges and costs of childcare. The annual survey, conducted by Bright Horizons, a provider of employer-sponsored childcare, revealed that 42% of working families are actively looking for alternative employment options to better manage their careers and caring duties. This figure represents a 4 percentage point increase from the previous year.
One significant finding from the survey is that the proportion of employees who feel their employer is supportive of family life has dropped by 5 percentage points to 72%. Furthermore, 80% of women and 76% of men stated that they would carefully consider their childcare options before accepting a promotion or starting a new job.
The head of thought leadership at Bright Horizons, Jennifer Liston-Smith, expressed concern about the direction these findings indicate. She highlighted the need for employers to focus on retaining and supporting working parents and carers, as it continues to be a significant challenge for many organizations. Liston-Smith emphasized that supporting the mental health and performance of employees should be a top priority for employers in addressing these challenges.
The research, which encompassed various industries, revealed that working mothers are particularly affected. A staggering 74% of working mothers surveyed mentioned that they carry the mental load of parenting, compared to 48% of working fathers. Additionally, the survey found that working mothers feel less able to progress in their careers while working flexibly compared to their male counterparts.
While childcare remains a key concern, the research also shed light on the impact of caring for adults. More than 90% of adult caregivers reported that their caring responsibilities have a significant impact on their work. This is especially troubling given the aging population in the UK and other regions.
Jennifer Liston-Smith stressed the need to address the imbalances between expectations and reality, urging employers to support their employees from all angles. Various campaign groups across the UK have warned about an impending childcare crisis. Although the government plans to extend the amount of free childcare it provides, the Education Secretary has cautioned that these resources may not be available for everyone. Similar challenges are seen in countries like the US, where the care sector is often under-resourced.
The Department for Education's figures from December also revealed a 5% drop in the number of infant care providers in England in the year leading up to 2023. Moreover, research conducted by the charity Pregnant Then Screwed found that one in five parents from households earning less than £50,000 annually leave the workforce due to the high cost of childcare.
It is clear that working parents and caregivers face significant challenges in juggling their personal and professional responsibilities. Employers must prioritize supporting their employees in navigating these challenges to ensure both retention and recruitment efforts are successful. Addressing issues surrounding childcare and adult caregiving is essential to create a more supportive and inclusive work environment for all.
