Indeed research reveals half of lone parents in Ireland have left workforce due to lack of support and flexible work options.
A survey of 1,000 workers and job seekers found that half of lone parents say their parental responsibilities have resulted in them having to leave the workforce at some point over the course of their career.
This contrasts with only 36% of parents in two-parent families reporting having had to do the same.
“Employers who provide meaningful supports for both groups — including access to flexible working options — are more attractive to a broader pool of talent and will experience higher levels of employee retention”
The research by jobs site Indeed also revealed high demand for flexible working arrangements among parents and carers, with 71% of all respondents saying that access to flexible working arrangements is important to them.
Indeed’s research also found that 64% of lone parents had struggled to find work due to a lack of flexible working options. More than two thirds also reported having had to call in sick due to caring demands.
Flexible working key to employee retention
Some 70% of respondents also said that flexible working should be a legal right for parents and carers, while 81% believe that the Government should incentivise employers to offer more flexible working options. This follows the coming into force of the right to request a flexible working arrangement for parents and carers in March of this year.
Around 84% of respondents said that the supports provided by a prospective employer for parents and carers – including flexible working, onsite and/or subsidised childcare and employee support groups – are important to them when looking for a new job. 85% also reported that they were more likely to stay in a job that provided such supports for parents and carers. 82% agreed that supports for parents and carers enhanced an employer’s public image and made them more attractive to potential talent.
“Our aim with this research was to identify the key challenges faced by both parents and carers – especially as carers now represent a significant and growing proportion of the workforce,” explained Derek Diviney, Indeed vice-president (Sales) for Europe.
“What’s clear from our findings is that employers who provide meaningful supports for both groups — including access to flexible working options — are more attractive to a broader pool of talent and will experience higher levels of employee retention.”
Main image at top: Photo by Valeria Zoncoll on Unsplash
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