One in two managers with children consider quitting over ‘parent guilt’

For half of managers with children, balancing their job with family life has become an overwhelming challenge, leaving many to feel like they’re failing both at home and at work, new research from Avilio has found.

The productivity and performance coaching provider commissioned an independent survey of 739 UK adults in management positions, 392 of which were parents.

It found that 72% of managers agree that being a parent has significantly changed their working habits, and almost half (48%) experience ‘parent-guilt’ at least sometimes.

‘Parent-guilt’ refers to the feeling parents can when they feel they are unable to give their children time and attention due to other responsibilities and pressures, such as work.

The survey revealed that over half (54%) of those that experience parent-guilt feel like they are failing both as a parent and a professional, while two-thirds (62%) of respondents say that it has a significant impact on their overall wellbeing.

Avilio’s research also found that 46% of manager parents say that parent-guilt impacts their ability to perform well in their job. Meanwhile, 44% say they resent their job because it takes them away from time with their family.

As a result, one in two (50%) feel that parent-guilt has led them to question whether they can continue working.

Philippe Masson, CEO of Avilio, said: “When someone becomes a parent, their personal life undergoes a profound shift, yet their professional responsibilities either remain unchanged, or even grow as their seniority increases. As our research shows, this disconnect places a significant strain on relationships at home, which is translating into a decline in overall wellbeing and, ultimately, job performance.

“In a business landscape where employee turnover is high, our study should ring some alarm bells. Businesses simply cannot afford to overlook the wellbeing of their staff, especially those trying to juggle the demands of raising a family alongside their work commitments. Beyond the moral imperative to better support parents, our survey highlights a clear business case as well.

“Employers must recognise this and take meaningful steps to ensure working parents are provided with the tools and support they need to strike a better work-life balance. In turn, this will not only help to improve employee’s wellbeing and job performance but could contribute to better talent retention as well.”