Employers could benefit from adopting flexible working approaches for employees, especially when it comes to women who are seeking to return to work after the birth of a child. New research suggests that providing help, understanding and a greater range of working options for parents will increase the happiness and wellbeing of employees. 

Research from My Family Care found that 35 per cent of working mums thought that their employer failed to provide help when it came to returning to work after giving birth. Out of 1,000 adults, 80 per cent of women also stated that they had concerns when it came to leaving their children in the care of others, suggesting that flexible working practices could be highly beneficial.

The research also found that it isn't just women that experience problems when balancing their work life with looking after their children. Some 37 per cent of men said that they weren't given any flexible options by the employers after they had children, with 20 per cent saying that they would rather be stay-at-home dads.

Employers could benefit from happier and more productive staff if they implement flexible working options and workforce management solutions. Offering flexible solutions will help to support new families and reduce the number of people that feel like they have to give up their career in order to care for their children. 

Ben Black, director of My Family Care, said:  "Due to the lack of support from their employers on returning to work, women often feel forced to give up the careers they have trained and worked so hard for in order to fit in their new role of motherhood.

“Staff need to be supported as they return to work and deal with the challenges that being a working parent can bring. Employers who respond to their needs will be rewarded with engaged, productive and loyal employees." 

Companies that offer high levels of support are more likely to retain staff in the long-run and become a desirable place of employment.