Dads are missing out due to failure of flexibility

More flexibility could transform working dads’ lives according to new research.

Around a third of dads reported that a lack of flexibility meant their family life is suffering. Roughly one in five said they are missing out on seeing their kids grow up because they are tied to the world of work.

However those dads that do have flexible working arrangements put huge value on what they’ve got. On average men said they’d need a 30% salary boost to even be tempted to give up flexible working.

The research was carried out for Quinyx, a tech firm that supplies blue chip companies with solutions allowing them to manage shift patterns and flexible working arrangements.

Over 2000 workers were quizzed for the survey. 29% said they don’t see enough of their families because of work and home life is suffering as a result. 17% said they feel like they are missing out on seeing their kids grow up. 16% admitted they struggle to balance childcare responsibilities with work.

Flexible by default

However the research provides solutions and clear evidence that flexible working will have to become more commonplace among firms looking to attract the best talent. Men said flexible working options are twice as important to them as opportunities for training and development when they are looking for a new position. 31% said they’d like to see companies that offer flexible working patterns rewarded with incentives such as tax breaks and a similar proportion backed moves to force firms to advertise jobs as flexible by default. Legislation aimed at making all jobs offered on a flexible basis was introduced to parliament last month.

Erik Fjellborg, CEO of Quinyx, said, “In this day and age, it’s truly staggering to see so many people struggling to secure flexible working arrangements. The UK cannot continue to view this as an option solely for senior office workers, or working mums – it is the future of our economy to make sure all employees are at their most productive, regardless of age, seniority or gender. That means offering them flexibility to enjoy their home life alongside their work.”

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• flexible working practices