"This data clarifies that working parents actually have optimistic attitudes about being both successful parents and professionals," said Sara Sutton Fell, Founder and CEO of FlexJobs.
Boulder, CO (PRWEB) August 20, 2015
According to a recent FlexJobs’ survey of nearly 1,100 parents interested in work flexibility, 90 percent report “needing” to work, but 63 percent -- more than two out of three parents -- also report “wanting” to work. With two-income households now the norm for American families, 90 percent of working parents surveyed believe they can simultaneously be both great employees and great parents, and 8 percent are hopeful it can be done. To make the work-life juggle possible, many working parents turn to flexible work options--89 percent said having kids living at home affects their interest in a flexible job. Earlier this year researchers at Harvard Business School discovered that growing up with a working mother has a positive influence on children.
“This data clarifies that working parents actually have optimistic attitudes about being both successful parents and professionals, and it also challenges the assumption that parents seeking work flexibility aren’t truly committed to or enjoying their careers,” said Sara Sutton Fell, Founder and CEO of FlexJobs. “In fact, 51 percent of parents cite their enjoyment of working as one of the top reasons for having a job--ahead of doing it to pay for luxury items, saving for retirement or wanting to travel.”
Family was named the top reason working parents seek flexible work (86 percent), followed by the desire for work-life balance (84 percent). Time savings (54 percent), a reduction in commuting stress (43 percent) and cost savings (41 percent) are other factors in parents wanting work flexibility. 45 percent are passionate about success in their career, and 41 percent of parents say they work because they want to have a professional impact in the world.
Additional findings of the survey uncovered other benefits of work flexibility, including:
Increased parental involvement at schools:
89 percent of working parents indicated that flexible work arrangements would increase their volunteerism at their children’s schools or organized activities.
56 percent claimed they would likely start volunteering
Another 33 percent who already currently volunteer said they would be able to volunteer more.
Improved health and savings:
97 percent are sure that having a job with flexibility would have a positive impact on their overall quality of life.
80 percent think it would make them more healthy.
87 percent think it would allow them to be less stressed.
87 percent think it would save them money.
“Although these savings are important for the employee, companies should take note of the benefits of work flexibility as well,” continued Sutton Fell. “84 percent of working parents say having a flexible job would make them more loyal to their employers, and 63 percent would expect an increase in productivity working from a home office.”
The most in-demand type of flexible work arrangement for working parents is 100 percent telecommuting (85 percent), but alternative or flexible schedule (54 percent), partial telecommuting (49 percent), part-time (48 percent), and freelance (38 percent) are also in demand.
*Demographic breakdown of the 1081 respondents, all with children under 18 living at home: Ages: 20-39 (43 percent), 40-59 (56 percent), 60+ (1 percent); Education: high school degree or equivalent (2 percent), some college but no degree (16 percent), associate or bachelor degree (49 percent), graduate degree (33 percent); Career level: entry-level (8 percent), experienced (58 percent), manager or higher (34 percent).
For more information visit: https://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/survey-most-working-parents-want-to-work/
To request additional information, please contact Kathy Gardner at kgardner(at)flexjobs.com.
About FlexJobs
FlexJobs is the leading online service for professionals seeking telecommuting, flexible schedule, part-time, and freelance jobs. With flexible job listings in over 100 career categories, and opportunities ranging from entry-level to executive, freelance to full-time, FlexJobs offers job-seekers a safe, easy, and efficient way to find professional and legitimate flexible job listings. Having helped over one million people in their job searches, FlexJobs has appeared on CNN and Marketplace Money and in TIME, Forbes, Fortune and many other trusted media outlets.