62% working parents struggle with school holiday childcare, study shows

Organising childcare during school holidays remains a major source of stress for working parents, with 62% saying it’s a significant challenge, according to research conducted by the International Workplace Group (IWG).

To manage this, more than half (55%) end up using their annual leave to cover childcare responsibilities, often at the expense of rest and personal time. This strain is intensified when workplace flexibility is reduced.

Research conducted by IWG, which describes itself as a leader in hybrid work solutions and workspace brands, found that parents facing decreased flexibility are taking extra steps to cope. A third (33%) of those affected report needing to take additional leave, while 29% say it causes an imbalance in childcare duties at home.

IWG found that access to flexible working arrangements is the most effective way to reduce school holiday stress. Parents say it allows them to cut commute times and work closer to home. This view is especially strong among parents of children under five, with 49% identifying flexible work as the key solution, compared to 38% across the broader parent population.

Younger parents aged 25 to 34 are particularly enthusiastic, with 67% believing flexible workspace options could ease holiday-related stress. Among the benefits cited are reduced commuting (46%), travel cost savings (35%), and the ability to use workspaces during childcare periods (34%), such as when their partners are available to assist.

The research highlights the juggling act many parents face. 43% adjust their working hours by reducing them, while 31% start work earlier in the morning and 29% extend their hours into the evening to accommodate childcare. Nearly a third (29%) say their work is impacted because they dedicate more time to parenting duties. These findings underscore the need for employers to rethink traditional work models and embrace flexibility not just as a perk, but as a strategic necessity.

The productivity gains from hybrid working are well documented. In partnership with Arup, IWG’s Hybrid Working Productivity Report reveals that companies enabling staff to work from local offices as part of a hybrid model could see a 12% productivity boost over five years. The impact is especially pronounced among women, with 82% reporting they are more productive and efficient when working from a location of their choice. Alarmingly, 58% of female employees say they would consider leaving their jobs if forced to commute long distances daily, highlighting the link between flexibility and talent retention.

Mark Dixon, CEO of IWG, says: “The findings from this study shed light on the significant challenges school holidays can pose for working parents, who are balancing careers and childcare. Our research shows that workplace flexibility can alleviate much of this pressure, and there is strong demand for local workspaces that provide the flexibility and convenience parents need during the holidays".

Fatima Konig, chief commercial officer, says: “Workplace flexibility not only supports the well-being of families but also contributes to the overall mental health and job satisfaction of employees. By accommodating the needs of working parents through better access to a range of places to work, particularly local workspaces during these peak times, employers can foster a more supportive and productive work environment and, in turn, drive productivity and talent retention".

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