Parenting & the 9-to-5

Supporting Parental Wellbeing at Work

Balancing professional responsibilities with parenting demands can be both fulfilling and challenging. From school drop-offs and unexpected sick days to the ongoing mental load of family logistics, working parents often navigate a unique and complex set of pressures.

Why Parental Wellbeing Matters

According to the ESRI, Irish working parents report higher stress levels than non-parents, with mothers in particular experiencing elevated pressure to manage both home and professional roles.¹ This matters: stressed employees are more likely to experience burnout, absenteeism, and lower job satisfaction.

When workplaces actively support parental wellbeing, everyone benefits. Evidence from Ireland’s national longitudinal study, Growing Up in Ireland, conducted by the Department of Children and Equality, shows that when workplaces offer family-friendly arrangements — such as flexible working hours and parental leave — parental involvement, employee wellbeing, and organisational commitment all improve.²

What Does Support Look Like?

It’s not always about grand gestures. Small, thoughtful changes can have a big impact:

• Flexible scheduling for family commitments
• Parental leave top-ups beyond statutory minimums
• Private spaces for breastfeeding or expressing
• Normalising conversations about family life and pressures
  

While some of these supports — such as breastfeeding breaks and statutory leave — are legal requirements, others are best-practice policies encouraged by public health and equality bodies. For example, the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 gives employees the right to request flexible work to accommodate caregiving needs.

Inclusive Culture & Psychological Safety

Psychological safety, where individuals feel secure in being themselves without fear of stigma, is essential to workplace wellbeing³. Creating a culture where parenting can be openly discussed helps construct that safety and inclusion. Supporting parents also supports gender equality, helping create workplaces where all caregivers, regardless of gender, can participate fully.

Resources for Parents (and Employers)

Looking for guidance? These national supports are here to help:

• Citizens Information: Clear, up-to-date details on parental leave, paternity rights, and more
• Parenting24Seven: HSE-backed, evidence-based tips for every age and stage
• Mental Health Ireland: Free resources on building supportive cultures and self-care

Final Thoughts

Let’s shift the narrative: supporting parents in the workplace isn’t a perk, it’s a priority. When organisations make space for family life, they help create healthier, happier, and more productive teams.