Survey finds pandemic created workplace inequality between parents and non-parents

Did the pandemic create a divide in your workplace?

As employees begin a phased return to the workplace, more than half worry that deciding to work remotely post-pandemic will cause workplace inequality. While many companies and organisations are offering a hybrid model, a recent survey has highlighted the multitude of concerns among workers in Ireland. Of particular concern was what the workplace would be like as pandemic restrictions lift and a new flexible working model is rolled out in businesses across the country. Of those who are concerned that remote working post-pandemic will create inequality at work (53 per cent), the survey also found that 52 per cent are fearful that they will be forgotten about during meetings if they choose to work remotely full time Another 48 per cent worry that their boss will consider their decision to work remotely a reflection of their commitment to the company Almost half (47 per cent) are concerned that they will be overlooked for a promotion and 40 per cent are anxious that they will be forgotten about for projects if they are not in the office. According to the 2021 Matrix Recruitment Workplace Equality Survey, 36 per cent of respondents said that the pandemic had created workplace inequality between those with and those without children. Of that cohort 38 per cent were of the view that more work was expected of employees without children. However, over half (54 per cent) said that more was expected of mothers when it came to juggling childcare and work during Covid-19 restrictions. Breda Dooley, senior manager at Matrix Recruitment, said:

“The past year has been a difficult one for business owners, particularly when it came to supporting workers with children and ensuring there was equal treatment for those without children during the pandemic. The survey findings indicate that many employees without children feel they shouldered a heavier workload over the past year. Meanwhile, it appears that parents who had to juggle work and childcare are frustrated that they were expected to perform to their usual standard at work, despite having added burdens such as home schooling and childcare needs.”

The majority of parents surveyed (63 per cent) say that the pandemic has not made them reconsider their role in the workforce; three per cent quit their job to become a stay-at-home parent over the past year. On the other hand ten per cent say they have moved to full-time remote work over the past year in order to spend more time with their children.