UrbanSitter recently conducted a survey with over 500 employed moms and dads in the US to understand working parent burnout and how employers can offer support. The findings shed light on the overwhelming responsibilities that working parents manage within their limited time.
The survey confirmed what we already knew—working parents face tremendous pressure from various directions. However, it also highlighted the specific areas where stress is most pronounced. The top stressor, at a staggering 39%, is the challenge of balancing work and home responsibilities. Financial strain rose to the second most popular answer this year (7th last year), while caregiving issues round out the top three stressors.
Top 10 Sources of Stress for Working Parents
The chart below provides valuable insights on the main causes of working parent burnout and stress. Here is a breakdown of the top stressors as identified in our 2023 survey:
- Juggling work and home responsibilities: 39%
- Financial strain: 17%
- Caregiving issues: 12%
- Managing my household: 10%
- Mental or physical health (myself or family): 7%
In comparison to our 2022 working parent study from last year, the stress of financial strain has risen notably, up 13%. Stress of managing the household also rose 5% year-over-year. Stress about job security also increased 4% since last year, likely due to general economic uncertainty.
How can organizations help working parents?
As an employer, you have the power to make a significant positive impact in the lives of your working parent employees. By targeting the top stressors that they face, you can enable them to be more productive and fulfilled in both their personal and professional lives.
That’s why offering a comprehensive caregiving benefit is so impactful. By providing reliable and high-quality care for family members, pets and for daily household tasks, you help reduce the burden parents face managing their responsibilities at home, enabling them to be present and focused on their roles in your organization.
What’s more, by investing in your employees’ happiness and well-being, you boost morale and foster a culture of support and empowerment. The result? A more productive and motivated workforce that is primed for growth and success.
In fact, 72% of our customers reported an improvement in employee work-life balance after adding caregiving benefits. So why not take the opportunity to make a difference today and offer comprehensive caregiving benefits to your employees?
