by HRHQ Editorial Team
More than 70% of parents in Ireland say that limited access to childcare has negatively impacted their ability to work, according to new research conducted by Censuswide on behalf of hiring platform Indeed. The survey, which polled 1,000 parents across various demographics, paints a stark picture of the challenges families face in balancing employment and caregiving.
Nearly a quarter of respondents reported having reduced their working hours to fill childcare gaps, with women twice as likely as men to make such sacrifices. Additionally, 9% of parents have changed jobs, and 5% have exited the workforce entirely due to childcare constraints.
The financial strain is equally significant. Over 80% of parents said childcare costs place a heavy burden on household finances, while two-thirds rely on informal support from friends or family to manage care responsibilities. Lone parents are particularly affected, with 81% saying they miss key moments in their children’s lives due to work commitments.
Remote and hybrid working arrangements have helped ease the pressure for some, with more than two-thirds of parents saying such flexibility has improved their ability to manage care duties. Interestingly, men were more likely than women to report benefits from these arrangements.
Derek Diviney, Vice President at Indeed, emphasized the broader implications: “Childcare is not just a family issue—it’s an economic one. Without accessible options, parents are forced to turn down opportunities or leave jobs, which affects talent retention and productivity.”
The findings underscore the urgent need for policy and workplace reforms that prioritise affordable, accessible childcare and flexible working models to support Ireland’s working families.
