12 AUG 2023
Summer Childcare Struggles: Working Parents Use Annual Leave
A study conducted by IWG found that a significant portion of working parents experience stress when arranging childcare during the summer break. Around 62% of respondents reported this stress, leading to 55% using their annual leave to address childcare responsibilities, and 12% utilising their entire annual leave entitlement for this purpose.
The research highlights the difficulties parents encounter while trying to balance work and childcare, with 43% adjusting their work schedules by working fewer hours, 31% working early in the morning, and 29% working late at night to accommodate childcare needs. Almost 29% believe their work performance suffers due to increased time allocation for childcare.
The availability of flexible working arrangements emerges as a crucial factor in reducing summer holiday stress, with 38% of parents identifying it as the primary solution. This sentiment is even stronger among parents of children under 5 years old, at 49%. Benefits of flexible workspaces include reduced commuting (46%), cost savings (35%), and the ability to work during childcare periods (34%). A majority (78%) of parents express a preference for using flexible workspaces closer to their homes.
The article suggests that these findings offer potential solutions for employers to support parents facing challenges during summer holidays. IWG's Chief Commercial Officer, Fatima Koning, highlights the impact of hybrid working in addressing these issues and promoting work-life balance. As demand for hybrid working increases, IWG has seen a rise in businesses adopting hub and spoke office models, with a 36% increase in demand for workspaces outside city centres in 2022. IWG plans to expand its offerings by adding 1,000 new locations globally, particularly in rural and suburban areas, to provide accessible and flexible workspaces for parents seeking greater work-life integration.