Benefits that support work-life balance are increasingly non-negotiable for working parents
More than three-quarters of respondents said they feel more comfortable talking about family-related responsibilities with their employer than they did previously.
The phrase “family first” is not just words to a generation of working parents who are willing to advocate for what they need on the job to support work-life balance, even if that means quitting. Potential employees also are willing to pause family planning until they find a job at a company that offers family-friendly benefits, according to the 10th annual edition of the Modern Family Index commissioned by Bright Horizons and conducted by The Harris Poll.
Working parents may feel emboldened to prioritize family in the context of their jobs as concerns about family responsibilities have shifted since the study launched in 2014. For instance, fewer parents worry they will lose a raise, a promotion or their job because of family responsibilities in 2024 than in 2014. More than three-quarters of respondents said they feel more comfortable talking about family-related responsibilities with their employer than they did previously.
Still, about one-third of employees said they feel they’re working too many hours, two-thirds worry they’re unable to give their all to their families, and more than half report they’re not giving 100% of themselves at work.
About 70% of respondents said working for a company that has benefits targeted at work-life balance is non-negotiable. Assistance with childcare topped the list of family-friendly benefits employees want. Although help with childcare even edged out the desire for unlimited remote work, less than a third of employees said they are currently receiving assistance with childcare costs from their employers.
“Over the last decade, the workplace has undergone tremendous transformation, with perhaps
the biggest change coming from employees themselves,” said Bright Horizons CEO Stephen Kramer CEO. “They are no longer afraid to speak up about the support they need and want to be productive at home and work. They have high expectations of themselves and are demanding the same from their employers.”
Related: Family care benefits more important than ever in today’s workplace, study finds
The report signals an opportunity for employers to leverage meaningful benefits to cement workplace cultures as family-friendly and a great place to build a career, said Kramer. Compared with 10 years ago, working parents are more optimistic about the future of work-life balance, with improvements in flexible scheduling, better benefits and more childcare support, the report found.
More than half of working parents (52%) say job flexibility has improved, with similar numbers saying they have more flexible parental leave (55%) and are now able to work flexible hours that fit their families (50%). Among those working a hybrid schedule or remotely, 88% say it makes managing family responsibilities easier, 81% say it helps them better manage time overall, and 83% say it makes them feel less stressed and more productive.