This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-37535670
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Most working parents 'unhappy with work-life balance' | Most working parents 'unhappy with work-life balance' |
(about 9 hours later) | |
Most working parents in Scotland are unhappy with the balance between their home and work life, according to a poll by a group of voluntary organisations. | Most working parents in Scotland are unhappy with the balance between their home and work life, according to a poll by a group of voluntary organisations. |
The study suggested only 12% feel their work-life balance is "just right". | The study suggested only 12% feel their work-life balance is "just right". |
Less than a quarter (22%) think they have "the right balance of time and money for their family to thrive". | Less than a quarter (22%) think they have "the right balance of time and money for their family to thrive". |
The poll was carried out by Family Friendly Working Scotland group, which works with the Scottish government. | The poll was carried out by Family Friendly Working Scotland group, which works with the Scottish government. |
The organisation said inflexible work arrangements were often to blame, with many parents saying they missed out on special family moments. | The organisation said inflexible work arrangements were often to blame, with many parents saying they missed out on special family moments. |
These included attending school plays or putting their children to bed. | These included attending school plays or putting their children to bed. |
The poll suggested: | The poll suggested: |
Family Friendly Working Scotland said its findings showed 27% of working parents in Scotland worked more than two extra unpaid hours each week - the equivalent of an extra 2.5 weeks a year. | Family Friendly Working Scotland said its findings showed 27% of working parents in Scotland worked more than two extra unpaid hours each week - the equivalent of an extra 2.5 weeks a year. |
Of those, 15% worked more than four extra unpaid hours a week, equating to 25 extra days a year. | Of those, 15% worked more than four extra unpaid hours a week, equating to 25 extra days a year. |
The findings were published as Family Friendly Working Scotland launched Nation Work Life week. | The findings were published as Family Friendly Working Scotland launched Nation Work Life week. |
Nikki Slowey, the organisation's programme director, said it was "disheartening that so few Scottish parents have the right work-life balance". | Nikki Slowey, the organisation's programme director, said it was "disheartening that so few Scottish parents have the right work-life balance". |
She said: "Families need both time and money to thrive, yet less than a quarter of parents we surveyed said they have this. | |
"As parents we want to support our children through the many milestones in their lives, whether that's starting school, starring in their school play or preparing for important exams. | "As parents we want to support our children through the many milestones in their lives, whether that's starting school, starring in their school play or preparing for important exams. |
"But balancing this support alongside the demands of work can be very challenging, especially if your employer gives you little or no flexibility, or shows no understanding." | |
'Better outcomes' | 'Better outcomes' |
Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland's Good Morning Scotland programme, Ms Slowey added: "I don't think there are enough employers recognising the link between good family-friendly policies or good flexible working and how this is good for business. | |
"Not enough organisations are making the link that actually when they have a family-friendly workplace their employees are more productive, more engaged, more motivated and that the absenteeism rates reduce, and that they are much more successful at recruiting and retaining staff." | |
The Scottish government's Minister for Childcare and Early Years, Mark McDonald, said: "This poll shows how difficult it can be for parents in Scotland to achieve the right balance between the time they spend at work and with their family. | The Scottish government's Minister for Childcare and Early Years, Mark McDonald, said: "This poll shows how difficult it can be for parents in Scotland to achieve the right balance between the time they spend at work and with their family. |
"The Scottish government is determined to do all we can to ensure Scotland's workplaces offer flexible working arrangements so parents can achieve a balance that suits their family life, and employers can benefit from improved rates of loyalty and productivity." | "The Scottish government is determined to do all we can to ensure Scotland's workplaces offer flexible working arrangements so parents can achieve a balance that suits their family life, and employers can benefit from improved rates of loyalty and productivity." |
Previous version
1
Next version