Fathers need more flexibility in the workplace

Men want a better balance between work and family life, and are even willing to walk out of employment in order to get it.

Results of the annual survey by workingdads.co.uk and workingmums.co.uk show that men are coming up against the same issues that have dogged women’s careers for years. And the evidence suggests men’s mental health is suffering as a result.

For example, one in four dads said they’d had time off work due to mental illness, with a third of those citing the stress of work and home.

Around half of working dads said their career had stalled since they became a father and almost 70% admitted they feel stuck in their current role because they fear they wouldn’t be able to find another job with the amount of flexibility they need.

This doesn’t come as a surprise when you consider that two in five that applied for a flexible working arrangement were turned down and a quarter felt their line manager did not understand the pressures of juggling work with family life.

One in 10 said they’d quit their job after having a flexible working request turned down and 42% cited more flexibility in their workplace as the single thing that would boost their career development – 16% want more mentoring for dads.

James Millar, editor of workingdads.co.uk and author of the book Dads Don’t Babysit, commented on the findings, “These results show thousands of dads are suffering and frustrated at work. Yet the answer seems very simple. If more employers embrace flexible working it would improve the lives of all parents by giving the option to find the right balance between work and life.

“More parents are researching what family support is available at the application stage when looking for work. And a growing proportion will change job in search of the right working conditions. Employers who want to attract and retain the best talent must offer flexible working if they want to thrive in the workplace of the future.”

To find out more about contracting please contact Jaime on 01442 795 100 or email jaime.thorpe@dolanaccountancy.com.