BUSINESS STRATEGY
The mental health challenges of parents
Parenting is rewarding , but it can sometimes also be an overwhelming experience . With parents making up 43 % of the UK workforce ( around 13 million people ), their mental health directly impacts both their personal lives and workplace performance . Balancing work and family life often leads to a mental load that many parents carry silently .
From managing children ’ s schedules and
HOWEVER , WHEN EMPLOYERS ACTIVELY BUILD A CULTURE THAT SUPPORTS PARENTAL WELLBEING , THEY CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE EMPLOYEES CAN THRIVE .
household tasks to the pressures of excelling at work , this invisible burden can lead to burnout . Many parents stretch themselves thin trying to meet the competing demands of home and work , leaving little time for self-care . On top of this , financial stress , worsened by the rising cost of living and childcare expenses , adds further pressure , while some can experience guilt for not spending enough time with children due to work commitments . For many parents , the challenges are compounded by concerns about their children ’ s mental health .
Research shows that one in three parents worried about their children ’ s mental health have considered reducing their working hours , and 1 % have left their jobs entirely . is increasingly linked to negative mental health outcomes such as anxiety , depression and disrupted sleep . This adds another layer of stress for parents who often struggle to manage their children ’ s screen habits while balancing professional responsibilities .
Practical solutions for employers
There are a number of ways to provide meaningful support . Flexible working policies , for example , allow parents to work from home or adjust their hours to better manage childcare responsibilities . This flexibility can be especially valuable for parents with young children who are not yet in school and would prefer to monitor their early screen use themselves .
Employee Assistance Programmes
Another impactful solution is providing Employee Assistance Programmes ( EAPs ), which can offer access to professionals such as psychologists or therapists . These programmes can support parents in managing both their own mental health and that of their children . More specifically , Cognitive Behavioural Therapy ( CBT ) offered in EAPs , uses effective strategies for helping children manage screen time through a structured approach . CBT techniques can help children develop healthier habits around digital device use by identifying triggers for excessive screen time and encouraging alternative behaviours . Parents can work with children to establish boundaries while taking care of their emotional wellbeing and self regulation .
Training line managers
A study from Deloitte estimates that such concerns are costing UK employers £ 8 billion annually in absenteeism and presenteeism .
Furthermore , a majority of working parents ( 63 %) who are concerned about their children ’ s mental health , say they turn to external sources of support to manage these challenges , rather than approaching their employer .
The link between screen time and mental health
This year ’ s theme , ‘ Screen Smart Parenting ’, offers an opportunity to explore the challenges surrounding problematic screen use faced by families and the role employers can play in providing effective support . While digital devices can provide entertainment and educational benefits , excessive screen time
Additionally , training managers to recognise the unique challenges faced by parents in the workplace and respond with empathy is key to creating a supportive workplace culture . Recognising the early signs of parental burnout can make a significant difference in supporting employees . Burnout often manifests as persistent exhaustion , difficulty concentrating , irritability , withdrawal from social interactions or a noticeable decline in performance . Parents experiencing other mental health issues may also voice concerns about feeling overwhelmed or display emotional distress related to balancing work and family responsibilities . Training to understand the impact of screen time is not only important for children but also for parents . With the increasing reliance on digital devices for work , it can be all too easy for employees to remain ‘ always on ,’ checking emails or responding to notifications outside of working hours . Helping
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