Report: Flexible working for parents returning to work

This report considers the impact that the way organisations manage staff returning to work from parental leave can have on career progression, gender stereotypes and the gender pay gap.

The research, produced by the Institute for Employment Studies on behalf of the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service, focuses on the use of flexible working. It considers how flexible working is managed and what impact it has on career development and pay.

Key findings:

• The research evidence reviewed for this study points to a cohort of female employees who have experienced: difficulty achieving equal pay with men; diminished opportunities for career development and promotion; and reduced career aspirations.
• Research has shown that men want more flexible working but are too nervous about the impact on their careers to request it.
• Employers that implement flexible working successfully report bottom line benefits in terms of: reduced sickness absence; more returners from maternity leave; greater productivity and engagement, and; an ability to retain the employees.