The Changing Landscape Of Workplaces
2024 Survey sees employers are creating better outcomes for families
This year Australia’s largest survey for working parents and carers measured how well families are managing their work and care responsibilities. It turns out, they are feeling the pressure big time. Of the more than 6,000 that contributed to the 2024 National Working Families Survey 74% of women and 57% of men reported feeling stressed, among many other worrying trends.
In partnership with UNICEF Australia, Parents At Work alongside employers and supporting partners, released the Report five years after the inaugural report was released in 2019. The shifts, perhaps not surprisingly, were disappointing as more Australians than ever are struggling with the juggle and their physical and mental health is paying the price.
What was most interesting for leaders and employers was the fact that companies that had invested in family-friendly policies and practices, specifically those that have been certified as a Family Inclusive Workplace, see better outcomes. Sixty-five percent of people that work for certified companies are more satisfied with their work life balance compared to 58% in non-certified companies. Furthermore, 83% are less likely to apply for a different job that did not offer flexibility compared to 74% in non-certified companies.
The survey results also highlight the need to de-stigmatise caregiving. For example, fifty-six per cent of parents and carers believe it is more acceptable for women to choose family-friendly options. It not only takes a village to raise a child it takes a business community and we now know that parents and carers value employers that commit to their employees wellbeing, yes for the benefit of the business but also to give back more broadly.
It takes a visionary leader to see the vaster impacts on wider society and it seems that from the people raising our future workforce the effort does not go unnoticed. To change the current situation for working families requires bold policy change. The report highlights recommendations for both employers and policy makers.
Read the full set of recommendations for employers and policy makers access the 2024 National Working Families Report here.
