Almost two-thirds (62%) of working parents find arranging childcare for the school summer holidays to be a significant source of stress, according to research by workplace specialist IWG.
The study of more than 1,000 parents also found that over half (55%) use their annual leave to meet childcare responsibilities, while over one in 10 (12%) use their entire annual leave entitlement in the process.
According to the study, 43% of parents adjust their work schedules by working fewer hours, with 31% working early in the morning to cover childcare during the day, while 29% work late in the evening for the same reason.
Additionally, 29% feel that their work suffers because they have to allocate more time to childcare.
Over a third (38%) of parents identified the availability of flexible working arrangements as the number one solution for reducing the stress of the summer holidays, with the percentage rising to 49% among parents of children under five years old.
According to Fatima Koning, IWG chief commercial officer, the research shows that the flexibility afforded by the hybrid model can be a “game-changer” for families during the summer holidays, especially those with young children.
“Hybrid working has made a vital difference in my life,” she said. “I am empowered to co-parent my daughter, take good care of myself and progress in my career – priorities that would be far more difficult to manage successfully if I were travelling back and forth to a central office every day.
“Offering hybrid working options is an important and straightforward way for businesses to show commitment to employees by freeing up their time and giving them greater control over their schedules to manage their family responsibilities,” Koning added. “Organisations that have adopted hybrid working are not only seeing healthier and happier workforces, but more engaged and productive teams.”
