Predictability at work offers more support for parents than flexibility alone

For years, flexibility has been considered the key to supporting working parents. While flexible hours, remote work options, and the ability to manage work around family duties have offered relief, they may not be sufficient when faced with seasonal demands like camps or unexpected events such as illness.

Research indicates that a lack of predictability in work schedules is linked to increased parental stress and reduced time spent with children. A study in Social Service Review highlights the importance of control over one's schedule. While flexibility might allow for attending a child's event, it can also involve sudden work demands that prevent it.

Research from Columbia and Duke Universities found that 87% of parents with young children experienced unexpected schedule changes over a 30-day period. These disruptions negatively impacted mood and sleep. This constant juggling can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed and eventual burnout.

Companies should aim to provide both flexibility and predictability for employees. This means allowing for schedule adjustments when needed, but also offering clarity on what the workday will entail. Reducing short-notice meetings and providing advance notice for potential schedule shifts could significantly improve the well-being of working parents.

Achieving work-family balance may be impossible without a sense of predictability. The antidote to burnout might not solely be flexibility, but rather offering employees a feeling of stability.