Half of managers in with children feel that balancing their job with family life has become an overwhelming challenge, new research from UK coaching provider Avilio has found.
A survey of 739 UK adults in management positions, 392 of whom were parents, found that 72% of managers agree that being a parent has significantly changed their working habits, and almost half (48%) sometimes experience ‘parent-guilt’ - the feeling that they are unable to give their children sufficient time and attention due to other responsibilities and pressures, such as work.
Over half (54%) of those who experience parent-guilt said that they feel like they are failing both as a parent and a professional, while two-thirds (62%) said that it has a significant impact on their overall well-being.
Unsurprisingly, more than four out of 10 parents (44%) said that they resent their job because it takes them away from time with their family, while a similar proportion (46%) felt that parent-guilt impacts their ability to perform well in their job. And overall, half (50%) of the parents surveyed said that parent-guilt has led them to question whether they can even continue working.
Philippe Masson, CEO of Avilio, said: “When someone becomes a parent, their personal life undergoes a profound shift, yet their professional responsibilities either remain unchanged, or even grow as their seniority increases. As our research shows, this disconnect places a significant strain on relationships at home, which is translating into a decline in overall well-being and, ultimately, job performance.
“In a business landscape where employee turnover is high, our study should ring some alarm bells. Businesses simply cannot afford to overlook the well-being of their staff, especially those trying to juggle the demands of raising a family alongside their work commitments. Beyond the moral imperative to better support parents, our survey highlights a clear business case as well.
“Employers must recognise this and take meaningful steps to ensure working parents are provided with the tools and support they need to strike a better work-life balance. In turn, this will not only help to improve employee’s well-being and job performance but could contribute to better talent retention as well.”