As a nation, we are experiencing significant levels of stress, and understandably so. However, for those balancing careers while raising children, this stress is notably intensified. Alarming new data from the U.S. Surgeon General shows that approximately one-third of parents report experiencing "high levels" of stress compared to only 20% of other adults. The fast-paced work environment, coupled with rising inflation and safety concerns, has put tremendous pressure on parents trying to balance work responsibilities, child care, and personal wellbeing.

This is not just a personal issue; it's a workplace concern. The people showing up to work every day carry these stressors, and employers have an opportunity to rethink benefits and prioritize parental support to improve workplace outcomes and retention.

The growing strain on parents

Parental stress has long been an issue, but the pandemic exacerbated many of these pressures. As we transition into a post-pandemic world, parents are grappling with the rising costs of child care, limited access to mental health services and insufficient paid parental leave options. Child care costs have now surpassed housing costs in parts of the U.S., with the nationwide average annual cost rising to $11,582 per child, according to Child Care Aware of America.