The forthcoming Working Families Index, a report produced by work-life balance charity Working Families and professional coaching organisation Talking Talent, measures all aspects of flexible working and work-life policies and practice in the UK. Based on a survey of nearly 3,000 parents and carers, it evaluates how well these are integrated into organisations’ values and culture, looking specifically at how well they support and engage with people with caring responsibilities.
With the full findings of the report to be released on 17th May, initial analysis of flexible working arrangements for parents in The Working Families Index 2022 shows that:
- 70% of parents reported having flexible working arrangements in the 2022 Index. This is a significant increase from a pre-covid survey undertaken in 2019 in which 55% worked flexibly.
- Home based and hybrid working were the most common forms of flexible working alongside variable hours.
- Higher earners, self-employed workers, and those under 35 are the most likely to work flexibly.
- There is a clear desire for flexible working among parents who do not currently have access to it, particularly for those with young children. Three quarters of parents who aren’t working flexibly would like to.
Lucinda Quigley, Head of Working Parents at Talking Talent, who have partnered with Working Families to produce the 2022 Index, said, “Now, more than ever before, people are demanding flexible working arrangements. Businesses and industries that fail to provide this will lose valuable staff – in particular, working parents. The pandemic was a catalyst for many of us to reassess our lifestyles, and as we’ve seen with The Great Resignation, people are ready to find a better balance elsewhere if their employer isn’t willing to support their working needs.
“For many working parents flexibility isn’t just a nice to have, it’s a crucial part of being able to have both the home life and career they want for themselves. This includes having quality time with their family, manage increasing childcare costs and having a fulfilling professional experience.”
Jane van Zyl, Chief Executive at Working Families, said, “There has been a huge shift in the way we work. The pandemic has shown that the flexibility can be unlocked in many more jobs than were ever considered before. Parents and carers overwhelmingly want their workplaces to retain flexible working, and our research shows that many have taken action to permanently change their working patterns to help them balance work, life and care.
“It’s important to remember that flexible working should not just be the preserve of those who work at a desk—and that working from home is just one of many types of flexible working. As our research demonstrates, embedding flexible working is more challenging in sectors where physical presence is a requirement. But having seen our employer members in these sectors create innovative policies and practices to support their people, we know it is far from impossible.”
So, what are the best and worst industries for working parents who want flexible working arrangements in the UK?
Flexible working by sector and occupation
Best sectors for flexible working in 2022
- Marketing advertising and PR
- Business consulting and management
- Not for profit and charity work
- Creative arts and design
- Accountancy, banking and finance
Worst sectors for flexible working in 2022
- Healthcare
- Retail
- Teacher training and education
- Engineering and manufacturing
- Transport and logistics
The full Working Families Index 2022 and analysis will be launched on 17th May at 11am, and you can sign up to attend the webinar here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-working-families-index-webinar-tickets-329584043747