The intersection of work and family balance has long been a challenging terrain to navigate for both employees and employers. The recent findings from the 2024 National Working Families Survey commissioned by Parents At Work and UNICEF Australia sheds light on the ongoing struggles faced by over 6000 Australian working parents and caregivers while highlighting shifts over the past five years since it was last conducted in 2019.
Watch the interview with Family Friendly Workplaces CEO, Emma Walsh on Sky News
Here’s a summary of the key points raised by Emma Walsh in her interview with Sky News in line with National Families Week this week.
The survey results are not only confronting but sadly unsurprising.
They reveal a persistent gender divide, with increased levels of stress experienced by women in balancing work and care responsibilities.
Despite efforts to improve gender equality, workplace cultures still predominantly support men as primary income earners and women as primary caregivers. This entrenched norm underscores the urgent need for policy and cultural shifts within organisations.
One of the glaring issues identified is the lack of adequate caring support mechanisms, particularly in terms of paid parental leave. Both men and women reported insufficient access to paid parental leave, leading many to return to work earlier than desired due to financial constraints. The cost of living crisis exacerbates this situation, forcing individuals to prioritise financial stability over extended leave.
The survey underscores the need for concerted efforts by both government and businesses to address these systemic challenges.
Key recommendations include:
- Flexibility and Access: Organisations must prioritise greater access to flexible work arrangements to accommodate family caregiving, particularly for men. Both men and women should have equal access to flexible work options without facing stigma or career penalties.
- Investment in Paid Parental Leave: Government and businesses need to invest in robust workplace paid parental leave schemes. Australia lags behind other OECD nations in this regard, with an average of only 20 weeks of statutory minimum wage paid parental leave compared to 50-plus weeks in other countries. Improving paid parental leave provisions is essential to the wellbeing of parents and children to stay attached to the workforce and supports employers to attract and retain talent.
- Leadership and Managerial Support: Business leaders and managers play a crucial role in implementing and supporting flexible work arrangements. Organisations should provide training and resources to equip leaders with the skills needed to effectively manage the flexibility, care and wellbeing needs of teams.
- Cultural Shift: There is a need for a cultural shift within organisations to embrace flexible work as the new normal and remove the gender bias. Rather than reverting to pre-pandemic norms, organisations should leverage lessons learned during the pandemic to create more flexible and inclusive workplaces for all employees to benefit from. While there are challenges in implementing flexible work practices, they do not always require significant financial investment. By prioritising employee consultation, redesigning job roles, and empowering managers, organisations can create a culture that values work-life balance.
- Government Support for Businesses: Government should consider greater investment in supporting businesses to facilitate the adoption of family-inclusive practices. This may include education, financial assistance, tax incentives, or grants to offset the costs associated with implementing family-friendly flexible work arrangements.
In conclusion, the findings of the 2024 National Working Families Survey underscore the need for collaborative action to address the ongoing struggles faced by men and women juggling work and care commitments. By prioritising flexibility, investing in paid parental leave, and fostering a supportive organisational culture, businesses and governments can create environments where employees can thrive both personally and professionally. As we look to the future of work, it is imperative that we prioritise the employee care and wellbeing as we strive for greater equity and inclusivity in the workplace.
*Emma Walsh, CEO of Parents At Work, shares insights on the survey findings and the importance of addressing work-life balance challenges in today’s evolving work landscape.
