Three-quarters (75%) of respondents find it difficult to balance their work and family commitments, according to research by health insurer Benenden Health.
Its Supporting employees with family and caring commitments report, which surveyed 1,084 employees aged between 25 and 50 who have caring responsibilities for children, elderly or sick relatives, or who have multiple care commitments, also found that of the employees who struggle to balance their family and work commitments, only 4% do not experience stress, financial problems, mental health issues or relationship breakdowns as a result. In particular, 77% of respondents aged between 36 and 40 find it difficult to juggle work and family successfully.
Helen Smith (pictured), chief commercial officer and business sponsor for wellbeing strategy at Benenden Health, said: “Our in-depth research across multiple industries showed great concern for working families in the UK. Three-quarters of people we surveyed shared that they found it difficult to balance modern day family life with their work commitments.
“Sadly, this is due to a lack of proper support in the workplace. To ensure the right level of support is given, this has to change; attitudes and approaches to flexible working across industries need to be open to a new way of working.”
A fifth (20%) of respondents have had a request to work from home or to work flexible hours refused, while 14% have been unable to take time off for healthcare appointments or to access mental health support.
Furthermore, 86% of respondents who are trying to balance their family commitments with work suffer with stress, while 55% state that it has led to financial problems.
Smith added: “It’s important we understand the unique needs of this group and the benefits of creating a more compassionate working environment for them across all business industries, to ensure we gain loyal, less stressed and likely more productive employees.
“After all, over three million people in the UK now juggle caring commitments for elderly or sick loved ones with work and almost three-quarters of mothers in the UK work part-time or full-time. Times have changed and businesses need to adapt urgently to meet this cultural need.”