The latest Modern Families Index 2026 Report from Bright Horizons landed in my inbox last week, highlighting the pressure points for working parents and carers.
The report is based on insights from 3,000 working parents and carers and shows that while hybrid working helps with efficiency and family time, it's not the answer to rising stress levels. Women are still bearing the brunt, with 34% of working mothers rating their stress as very high. That figure jumps to 39% for those also caring for elderly relatives.
The sandwich generation, those juggling children and ageing parents, are at risk. 43% of them are actively looking at other options.
This is a conversation I often have with candidates who are looking for opportunities where their employer is more likely to 'get them' and understand the pressure they feel being the filling in the sandwich between their kids and their elderly relatives.
The report highlights that working parents took an average of 4.2 days off last year to cover childcare breakdowns, with 21% forced to take sick leave. One solution could be 'Backup care', employer-provided emergency childcare or eldercare support when regular arrangements collapse. It's not widely known in the UK yet, but it's the kind of practical support that could really help retain employees when the going is tough.
You can download the full Modern Families Index 2026 Report here.
If this has got you thinking about your retention issues or the calibre of candidates you're attracting, pick up the phone 07974 429217. I'd be happy to talk through your recruitment requirements - please drop me a line.