More than six out of 10 working parents with children under the age of 18 believe that their childcare and virtual schooling duties during the pandemic negatively affected their ability to get ahead in their job or career, according to a recent poll.
The results from the latest American Staffing Association (ASA) Workforce Monitor survey, conducted by The Harris Poll, also revealed that people of colour were more likely to say that childcare duties have been a career obstacle during Covid-19. In fact, 70% Black/African American parents and 62% of Hispanic/Latino parents believe their opportunities for career advancement were negatively affected by their childcare and virtual schooling duties during the pandemic; compared with 51% of White/Caucasian parents.
SUPPORT FOR WORKING PARENTS
More working dads said they were affected than working mothers, the study found. Around 60% of men agreed that added responsibilities in caring for their children during the pandemic has hurt their careers; compared to 51% of women.
“Work-life balance became a thing of the past for many parents during the Covid-19 pandemic,” stated Richard Wahlquist, President and Chief Executive Officer of ASA. “Parents are feeling left behind in their careers and in their workplaces. As businesses continue to bring employees back to office, employers need to support workers with children to ensure that they remain part of the labour force and clearly understand their options for career development and growth.”
Click here to access the report.
Another recent survey also found that around half of working parents felt ‘discriminated against’ by their employers for focusing on their families during the global pandemic. Click here to read more.
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