Mental health is growing concern for working parents, report finds

Wellbeing is the biggest concern among working parents after the pandemic, research suggests.A survey showed that two in five working parents of children under 18 want mental health support in the workplace.Working Families and Bright Horizons said their survey of more than 800 parents revealed a new post-Covid workforce placing wellbeing as their biggest concern.Most of those polled said access to flexible working arrangements has or would have a positive effect on their wellbeing.Seven in 10 respondents said a culture that encourages work/life balance was of major importance.Nine in 10 said they would feel more loyal to an employer who offered flexible working.Jane van Zyl, chief executive of Working Families, said: “This research reveals an emerging Generation Flex who are looking for employers to understand the growing demands on working parents.“They want their workplace to care – to care about being family-friendly, to care that their work patterns work for their lives, and to care about their wellbeing.“Successful employers will be those who are more in tune with their employees’ needs, giving them the support to work flexibly and being mindful of their mental wellbeing.

These are the organisations that will fly.”Denise Priest of Bright Horizons added: “The research confirms work/life balance is clearly prized by employees, but employers need to think beyond adaptable working patterns and salary if they want to lock in talent and improve productivity in the long term.“Mental health concerns can be lowered when parents have real practical support such as help with care and educational support for their children and coaching for themselves.” Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to