Workplace flexibility a drawcard for carers

20 November 2006

New research just released reinforces the value carers place on workplace flexibility, said Department of Labour workforce policy manager Lesley Haines and NACEW Chair Pauline Winter.

The qualitative research, commissioned by the Department of Labour and the National Advisory Council on the Employment of Women, aims to increase understanding of how men and women with different caring roles choose to work.

“The research drew on 50 interviews with people who care for adults, children, disabled people of different ages, or a combination of these,” Ms Haines said. “Because the aim of the research was an in-depth examination of a small sample of people, findings cannot be generalised to fit the whole population.

“The research shows paid work is important to people. However people with very young children overwhelmingly want to care for their children themselves.

“While there isn’t one solution that fits everyone, when it comes to juggling caring and paid work supportive workplaces do make a difference.

“Caring responsibilities impact significantly on paid work, and vice versa - which means employees may change occupations or choose to stay with a particular employer if that workplace provides the flexibility they need.

“Highly paid, demanding jobs and additional responsibilities which lead to career advancement are seen by many to be incompatible with their caring roles.

“The research shows that many people with young children feel that these factors take second place to the value of spending time with their children.

“Other factors influencing carers’ decisions to work are personal beliefs about the importance of parental care, age of children, financial factors, and satisfaction from being in paid work,” Ms Haines said.

NACEW Chair Pauline Winter said carers’ decisions around balancing their work and home roles evolved over time and were balanced on personal views rather than on information about financial benefits or services that might support their role.

“Because there isn’t one solution or pattern of participation to suit everyone, it’s important to provide work environments that support peoples’ choices to work and to provide care for their loved ones.”

The findings of the ‘Decisions about Caring and Working’ research are in line with Government’s 10-year plan of action to improve the caring and employment choices available to parents and carers - Choices for Living, Caring and Working, she said.

ENDS