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Flexible work is in high demand for working parents and caregivers seeking greater work-life balance and support.
A recent survey of workers in Ireland by hiring platform Indeed reveals a mismatch between the flexible work options that employees need and what their employers provide.
Silicon Republic reports that the majority (71%) of respondents say access to flexible work arrangements is of great importance to them. However, less than half (49%) reported that their employers offer these highly sought-after options.
Although there is a legal right in Ireland for parents and caregivers to request flexible working arrangements, 70% of those in the survey believe that such flexibility should be universally mandated.
The findings also highlighted the disproportionate challenges faced by women and lone parents in the workforce. For instance, 65% of single caregivers report difficulty in finding work due to a lack of flexible options, and two-thirds have had to call out sick to manage caregiving responsibilities.
These pressures seem to have worsened the situation for many, particularly working mothers — 62% of whom have taken unpaid sick leave compared to 48% of men. As a result, nearly half of the respondents believe Ireland’s situation has deteriorated over the past year.
This suggests a growing need for more equitable workplace policies, particularly for working mothers, to address gender disparities in the future of work.
The survey suggests improved maternity and paternity leave policies, subsidized childcare, and wellness resources could greatly boost employee retention. Specifically, 86% of female respondents valued maternity leave pay that matches their salary, and 82% supported equal paternity leave entitlements.
For employers, meeting these demands is also a competitive advantage when it comes to recruitment efforts. More than four-fifths (82%) of respondents agreed that supportive policies enhance an employer’s public image, which also makes the company more attractive to potential job candidates.
