Challenges and expectations of employees trying to balance careers with family lives.

Employees often face challenges in balancing their careers with family lives due to conflicting demands on their time and energy. Some common challenges include long working hours, inflexible work schedules, lack of support for childcare or eldercare responsibilities, and difficulty in unplugging from work outside of office hours. Additionally, the pressure to excel in both their professional and personal lives can lead to stress, burnout, and feelings of guilt or inadequacy. Employers play a crucial role in addressing these challenges by implementing policies that support work-life balance, promoting a culture of flexibility and understanding, and providing resources for employees to manage their responsibilities effectively.?

Where’s the Evidence??

Bright Horizons Work and Family Solutions recently surveyed 3,000 working parents and carers. The key findings of their report revealed:?

• Working parents and carers are finding their employers less supportive of family than they were last year and feel less able to get help with family issues at work.?

• The risk of employees leaving their employer and seeking new employment is higher this year, at 42%. Family support is a reason for leaving for 34% of women in this survey who are considering quitting.?

• More working parents are considering changing jobs this year than in 2023.?

How can Employers Support Employees with a Family?

Working parents considering changing their job may be motivated by a variety of factors related to their family and career needs. Some common reasons for considering a job change include seeking better work-life balance, higher salary or benefits, more flexible work arrangements, opportunities for career advancement, or a more supportive and family-friendly work environment. Ultimately, finding a job that meets both their professional and family needs is essential for working parents to thrive in their careers and personal lives.?

Employers can support employees with families by implementing policies and practices that promote work-life balance and create a supportive work environment. Some ways in which employers can support employees with families include:

Flexible work arrangements: Offering flexible work hours, telecommuting options, and part-time schedules can help employees better manage their work and family responsibilities. With the introduction of legislative changes to flexible working, it is even more important to consider requests.

Paid family leave: Providing paid parental leave, carers leave, and other family-friendly benefits can help employees take time off to care for their families without worrying about financial strain.? ?

Childcare assistance: Offering on-site childcare facilities, subsidies for childcare expenses, or referrals to reputable childcare providers can help employees with young children balance their work and family commitments.? ?

Employee assistance programs: Providing access to counselling services, support groups, and resources for managing stress, mental health issues, and family-related challenges can help employees navigate difficult situations.

Clear communication: Encouraging open communication between managers and employees about their family needs and concerns can help create a supportive and understanding work culture.?

By implementing these strategies and prioritising the well-being of employees with families, employers can create a more inclusive working environment and are more likely to see benefits such as reduced absenteeism and turnover, and increased retention.?

How Hallidays HR can help??

If you would like to discuss any of the above in more detail, then please do not hesitate to contact us on 0161 476 8276 or email [email protected]. And of course, visit the website: Hallidays HR Website? and our LinkedIn page: Hallidays HR LinkedIn?