More than two-fifths (45%) of respondents who are parents want a job with more flexible hours when they return to work after having a child, according to research by New Skills Academy.
Its survey of 124 parents also found that 98% of respondents feel that an understanding employer which recognises that they may need to take time off for school events or if their child is ill, is important or very important to them.
The research also found:
- 34% of respondents want a job with shorter working hours when they return to work after having a child.
- 93% of respondents view flexible working hours as an important or very important benefit that suits their lifestyle as a parent, 80% think the option to work part-time is important or very important, and 90% believe the ability to work locally or from home is important or very important when returning to work as a new parent.
- 93% of respondents who are mothers have returned to work after the birth of a child, or are planning to return to work. Of these, 75% have returned to the same job or profession, however 82% are considering changing their careers and 73% are thinking about retraining.
Chris Morgan (pictured), co-owner at New Skills Academy, said: “Returning back to work after having children can often be a difficult time for a parent. It’s during this moment that many feel it’s the right time to consider a new career; often one that offers greater flexibility and more time with the little ones.”
