Kerri Hazeman, Head Client Relationsat Bright Horizons, is urging employers, to display their flexible work practices and policies, during National Work Life Week which will be held from 7-11 October.
Our research conducted among employees earlier this year found that there was a national decline in the perceived support of employers – along with mounting pressure on working mothers. It is more important than ever for UK businesses to listen to their employees’ needs, and to ensure that your benefits reflect those needs.
The domino effect
In recent years, UK businesses have faced tough times. Productivity has sometimes been prioritized over employee wellbeing. This has had an impact on the employees.
In our most recent Modern Families Index survey of over 3,000 UK-based working parents, we found that parents are feeling more pressure. Parents are also experiencing a decrease in support from employers and, as a consequence, they’re more likely to look for new jobs to manage work and family better.
A series
National Work Life Week will explore this year the impact flexible working has on people’s daily lives, from their improved relationships to their ability care for family members. This week serves as a reminder to businesses that they should focus on the wellbeing of their employees.
It is time for business to get back on the right track and push forward with improvements in working conditions and benefits. We are asking businesses to focus their efforts on helping employees achieve a more balanced work-life.
Wide-reaching consequences
Our research sheds light on sectors that are most at risk. Those in banking, finance, technology, health care, and NHS positions pose a higher flight risk, and they actively seek new jobs over the next year.
Women are also more likely to vote by walking away. Mothers who work in technology are more likely than other women to seek new jobs.
The main challenges
Care breakdowns continue to be a problem. In the past year, over three-quarters of parents working in the legal and finance sectors needed to take a day off due to last-minute childcare.
In addition to high-pressure careers in finance and law, a greater number of employees are part of the “sandwich generations”, caring for both children and aging parents at once. More than half (53%) of parents working in legal firms have adult care responsibilities. This compares to 36% respondents.
The Solution
The findings show that employers need to support working parents and caregivers more than ever.
Bright Horizons works with more than 400 forward-thinking UK companies who offer family-inclusive benefits for their employees.
Employers looking to prevent talent loss and support employees under increasing pressure can benefit from our top five recommendations.
- Support Flexible Working Needs –Flexibility was the most requested feature to enable a workplace presence according to our Modern Families Index. Flexible working has become an everyday request since the Employment Relations Act was implemented. Flexible working isn’t just a perk for some people – it’s an essential.
- Enable return to office –After flexible working hours, the top enablers of office attendance are help with childcare (28%), holiday coverage (18%), and even pet care (9%) All of these are covered by Back-Up care, along with childcare at the workplace.
- Make Your Benefits Visible –It is important to make your family-friendly benefit inclusive and visible. Benefits that are tailored to specific family types or life stages can be a great way to stand out and attract new employees.
- Support Career Progression –Family Support enables employees to grow in their role. Eight out of ten (80%) employees in NHS or healthcare roles, and 81% workers in tech are careful to consider childcare options when accepting a new position or promotion (78% overall).
- Focus your attention on key moments –All career paths have “rethink” moments such as parental leave, or when you become a caregiver. It is important to coach employees and managers during these moments, as it will define their employment experience and increase loyalty.
Additional Support
You can also download our Back Up Care and Education Guide if you’re an employer. To discuss Work+Family Benefits with a member of our team please call 0345 241 5305 or email [email protected] .
