Recent research highlights significant challenges faced by manager parents balancing work and family life.
- Half of the surveyed manager parents feel overwhelmed, fearing failure both at work and home.
- A considerable number experience ‘parent-guilt’, affecting wellbeing and job performance.
- Many managers report resenting their jobs for limiting family time.
- There’s a call for businesses to better support working parents to improve retention and wellbeing.
Research conducted by Avilio sheds light on the struggles faced by parents in management roles. Among those surveyed, half reported finding it increasingly difficult to maintain a balance between their professional and family commitments. This situation has resulted in a pervasive feeling of inadequacy both as employees and as parents.
The concept of ‘parent-guilt’ is prevalent, with 48% of respondents acknowledging its impact on their lives. This term describes the emotional burden felt by parents who believe their work commitments prevent them from dedicating sufficient time to their children. For many, this guilt is a source of significant stress, affecting their overall sense of wellbeing.
The study further indicates that more than half of those experiencing parent-guilt feel they are failing in dual roles. About 62% admitted that this guilt significantly compromises their wellbeing. Moreover, such feelings are not only emotional but have tangible effects on their professional life, with 46% acknowledging a decline in their job performance as a direct consequence.
Interestingly, 44% of manager parents expressed resentment towards their professions as they consume time that could otherwise be spent with family. This discontentment has driven 50% of them to reconsider their career paths, questioning if they should continue their current roles given these circumstances.
Philippe Masson, the CEO of Avilio, emphasised the critical nature of this issue, noting that when individuals transition into parenthood, their personal lives change dramatically while professional expectations often remain static, or even increase. This misalignment results in strained family relationships and diminished professional efficacy.
In the context of high employee turnover, Masson pointed out that businesses need to prioritise the wellbeing of their staff, particularly parents juggling family and work responsibilities. He advocated for organisational support, such as flexible working arrangements, to help parents achieve a better work-life balance. This approach not only benefits the individual but is also strategically advantageous for employers, potentially enhancing staff retention and performance.
The findings highlight an urgent need for organisations to address the challenges faced by working parents to foster a more supportive and productive work environment.
