Working parents face more pressure than ever—and it’s affecting everything from productivity to retention. According to our latest Working Parents Report, burnout among employees with children remains high, driven by the daily challenge of balancing work, home, and care responsibilities.
Here’s what the data shows:
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56% of parents say they’re stressed about child care several times a week or more.
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68% have made a career change because of care challenges.
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Most say the hardest part of work-life balance is managing overlapping demands at work and home.
Top Sources of Stress for Working Parents
The leading causes of burnout for working parents all share a common thread: the struggle to find affordable, reliable care while keeping up at work and at home.
According to our latest survey, the top sources of stress are:
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Juggling work and home responsibilities – 35%
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Caregiving issues – 17%
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Financial strain – 14%
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Managing the household – 10%
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Mental or physical health (self/family) – 8%
See full chart below for details.
How can organizations help working parents?
When organizations address these real sources of stress—especially with backup care benefits—employees are more engaged, productive, and loyal.
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81% are more likely to stay with their employer when backup care is available
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72% of UrbanSitter clients report improved work-life balance
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20% more employees return to work after parental leave with access to backup care
Solutions that work:
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Provide backup care benefits to reduce stress and absenteeism
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Offer flexible work arrangements where possible
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Build a culture of support and open communication
Takeaway
Most top stressors for working parents come down to one thing: the constant challenge of managing work, home, and care responsibilities. Supporting employees with targeted benefits like backup care leads to better performance, higher retention, and a stronger workplace culture.
For more insights and practical strategies, download the full Working Parents Report.
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