Flexible working for dads could lead to more of a present parent

Dads want to have the option of embracing flexible work so they do not miss out on seeing their children grow up.

Research conducted by Quinyx, a workforce management company has revealed that 17 per cent of working dads feel their current work schedule means they do not get to see their children growing up.

A tenth (10 per cent) believe their family life would improve if flexible working was offered, with just under a fifth (19 per cent)  saying they do not feel as if they are spending enough time with their families.

As well as 16 per cent stating their work schedule make it difficult to manage childcare responsibilities for their children.

Out of the dads who currently enjoy flexible working, 30 per cent said they would be willing to give it up if they saw an increase in their salary.

Men also said that when looking for a new role, flexibility is twice as important to them as training and development.

UK employees hold the opinion that the below are the biggest reasons in securing flexible working in their office:

  • Incentives (e.g. tax breaks) to companies that offer greater flexibility to their employees (31per cent)
  • Legislation forcing companies to provide flexible arrangements (29 per cent)
  • New technology to allow schedules to be viewed, shared and managed (29 per cent).

 

Flexible working is projected to be worth £570.1 billion in 2023 if the UK embraces the work method.

Erik Fjellborg, CEO at Quinyx said:

In this day and age, it’s truly staggering to see so many people struggling to secure flexible working arrangements. The UK cannot continue to view this as an option solely for senior office workers, or working mums – it is the future of our economy to make sure all employees are at their most productive, regardless of age, seniority or gender. That means offering them flexibility to enjoy their home life alongside their work.

Quinyx research was conducted by Censuswide, a survey consultant, who asked 2,018 full and part time workers in the UK.

 

 

 

 

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Darius McQuaid

Darius is the editor of HRreview. He has previously worked as a finance reporter for the Daily Express. He studied his journalism masters at Press Association Training and graduated from the University of York with a degree in History.