Kis still missing out while parents forced ot work

KIDS STILL MISSING OUT WHILE PARENTS FORCED TO WORK

Aussie parents are missing some of the most important days in their childrens lives, such as sports carnivals, prize-givings and school concerts, with 49% of employers denying workers time off for such events, according to a survey of 1,675 people by Talent2, Australias leading human resources and recruitment firm. This figure is the same as a Talent2 survey conducted a year ago.

Ms Paula Baskus of Talent2 says that in this time of worker-shortages, allowing flexibility in the work-day for parents to attend school events is a simple but effective method to attract and retain staff.

"Parents feel guilty if they are unable to attend momentous occasions in their childrens lives, and bosses need to be aware that many parents will naturally feel that their childrens milestones are more important than a deadline for a report or a staff meeting."

"In the United States, several states have legislation allowing parents an allocated time off from work for participation in childrens educational activities, and several more are considering passing similar legislation. This is something that we could definitely be looking at in Australia."

"88% of employees say they think it is completely fair to allow co-workers with children to be given time off to attend a childs first day at school, or an event of this type."

"It is no longer realistic to assume that our employee lives in a nuclear family with Mum at home and Dad at work, leaving Mum the responsibility of attending school events. Workplaces need to become more family friendly, allowing both parents to juggle family responsibilities."