For half of managers with children, balancing their job with family life has become an overwhelming challenge, leaving many to feel like they’re failing both at home and at work, new research from Avilio has found.
The productivity and performance coaching provider commissioned an independent survey of 739 UK adults in management positions, 392 of which were parents.
It found that 72% of managers agree that being a parent has significantly changed their working habits, and almost half (48%) experience ‘parent guilt’ at least sometimes.
‘Parent guilt’ refers to the feeling parents can when they feel they are unable to give their children time and attention due to other responsibilities and pressures, such as work.
The survey revealed that over half (54%) of those that experience parent guilt feel like they are failing both as a parent and a professional, while two-thirds (62%) of respondents say that it has a significant impact on their overall wellbeing.
Avilio’s research also found that 46% of manager parents say that parent guilt impacts their ability to perform well in their job. Meanwhile, 44% said they resent their job because it takes them away from time with their family.
As a result, one in two (50%) feel that parent guilt has led them to question whether they can continue working.
Philippe Masson, CEO of Avilio, said:“When someone becomes a parent, their personal life undergoes a profound shift, yet their professional responsibilities either remain unchanged, or even grow as their seniority increases.”