This year’s Modern Families Index report revealed 1 in every 4 working parents in the UK was looking to their employer for mental health support for their children.
An ethical responsibility
The reality is people with caregiving responsibilities – whether for children, adults or even pets – are finding themselves under significant and increasing pressure due to the demands being placed on them at work and at home. Angela Stalker, head of client services at Bright Horizons, believes that employers have an ethical responsibility to address this.
Mental health and wellbeing in the workplace is of undeniable importance and creating a culture that prioritises it is not just morally justified, it’s a strategic investment.
According to research, 9 in 10 adults with adult caring responsibilities say it impacts how they work, and the quality of their work. These factors further exacerbate stress levels, which significantly affect performance and progression.
The primary focus
Everyone should be able to work in an environment where their full potential can be realised and by creating a supportive environment, both businesses and employees can thrive.
Data from the 2024 Work + Family Snapshot saw 80% of respondents agree that Bright Horizons Work+Family care services had a positive impact on their productivity. This shows that companies that invest in their employees’ wellbeing see improved productivity, reduced absenteeism, lower turnover, and a more engaged workforce.
Practical advice
For forward-thinking employers that want to enhance their support offering, Angela shares some top tips:
- Conduct regular wellbeing checks Companies should promote a culture where workloads are manageable, but understanding the specific needs, concerns and pain points of your workforce is also crucial. Use anonymous surveys regularly to gather insights and tailor your initiatives accordingly.
- Implement training programmes Equip managers and team leaders with the skills to recognise signs of mental distress and provide support. Mental health first aid training can be particularly beneficial.
- Promote a healthy dialogue Encourage open discussions about mental health, reduce stigma by hosting wellbeing workshops / webinars, and ensure that mental health policies are clearly communicated and accessible.
- Provide flexible working arrangements Allowing employees to manage their work schedules can significantly reduce stress. This could include flexible hours, remote working options or compressed workweeks.
- Offer meaningful benefits Invest in benefits that support mental health, such as Back-Up Care. Breakdowns in care arrangements create highly stressful situations. Back-Up Care is a convenient and trusted solution when last-minute or alternative care is needed. It ensures employees can focus on their workday, confident that their loved ones are being well cared for. Additionally, consider other family-friendly solutions, like employer-sponsored childcare, to help ease day-to-day pressures.
- Encourage regular breaks and downtime Ensure employees are taking regular breaks during the workday and encourage the use of annual leave to recharge. Our research found 49 percent of working parents use annual leave to cover childcare breakdowns, but having a back-up care programme in place can prevent this.
Joanne is the editor for Workplace Wellbeing Professional and has a keen interest in promoting the safety and wellbeing of the global workforce. After earning a bachelor's degree in English literature and media studies, she taught English in China and Vietnam for two years. Before joining Work Well Pro, Joanne worked as a marketing coordinator for luxury property, where her responsibilities included blog writing, photography, and video creation.