Nearly nine in 10 (89%) of working parents believe access to flexible working options has, or would have, a positive impact on their wellbeing.
Released to coincide with National Work Life Week, which runs from 2-6 October, the findings from research commissioned by Working Families and Bright Horizons revealed that employees with young dependents also desired flexible practices beyond location and hours.
Both the national charity and childcare provider insist employers can “take simple steps to reduce stress, improve wellbeing and meet the different needs of employees”.
The vast majority of survey respondents (86%) believe they would be more productive if they could have a flexible working pattern, while nine in 10 (89%) of the 800-plus parents of children aged under 18 polled by YouGov also claim they would feel more loyalty towards an employer that provided flexible working opportunities.
Among those polled, seven in 10 thought a culture that promotes work-life balance was majorly important. This was followed by more pay (65%), managers equipped with the skills and knowledge to support them (58%), and access to their preferred flexible working pattern (57%).
Additionally, nearly two in five (39%) would like to be offered mental health support at work.
Jane van Zyl, chief executive of Working Families, said: “This research reveals an emerging ‘Generation Flex’ who are looking for employers to understand the growing demands on working parents. They want their workplace to care – to care about being family-friendly, to care that their work patterns work for their lives, and to care about their wellbeing.
“Successful employers will be those who are more in tune with their employees’ needs, giving them the support to work flexibly and being mindful of their mental wellbeing. These are the organisations that will fly.”
Three in five (60%) of parents surveyed say variable hours is essential, followed by hybrid working and home-based working, favoured by 48% and 44% respectively.
The research highlighted that seven in 10 (70%) think the flexible working options currently offered at work are good for their family, while nearly two in three (63%) believe their employer understands what they need to carry out their work and caring duties.
However, three in 10 (30%) admitted they had considered quitting work because it wasn’t family-friendly or flexible enough.
Denise Priest, executive director of work and family solutions at Bright Horizons, said: “The research confirms work-life balance is clearly prized by employees, but employers need to think beyond adaptable working patterns and salary if they want to lock-in talent and improve productivity in the long term. Mental health concerns can be lowered when parents have real practical support such as help with care and educational support for their children and coaching for themselves.
“Nearly two in five survey respondents (37%) said subsidised childcare support such as subsidised childcare or back-up care was important and such benefits can have a profound impact on individuals and organisations.”
She hightlighted that more a growing number of organisations are implementing family-friendly practices and the most innovative of these are taking the uniqueness of family dynamics into account.
Priest added: “There are many different families and the support employees need depends on their individual circumstances. It could be help with childcare, adult dependants or even pets.
“It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. As the survey showed, some parents are seeking mental health support. And, as we know from our experience of supporting working parents, and reinforced here, that many value coaching or expert help with life stages from pregnancy through to menopause, adult care-giving and beyond.”
