Log in or become a subscriber
This content requires a basic HR Daily subscription. Log in below or sign up for free.
"Childcare disruption" a key driver of unplanned leave and gender inequality
Few employers understand the extent to which "childcare disruption" drives unplanned leave in their workforce, leading to a lack of support that also undermines their gender equality efforts, according to an executive with first-hand experience of the problem.
While flexible work policies are now common across Australian workplaces, "when childcare falls through, those policies often collapse", says Kiddo CEO and founder Rebecca Dredge.
"Childcare disruption" leads to absenteeism, lost productivity and attrition, she tells HR Daily, and because the impact falls disproportionately on women, it also hampers an organisation's ability to achieve their gender equality targets.
"Employers offer flexibility, but the childcare system often can't support it," Dredge explains. "When care falls through, flexibility disappears..."
Having trouble using your subscription? Contact us for help or check our FAQ page here for answers to commonly asked questions.
Haven't seen HR Daily before?
Sign up now for your free HR Daily newsletter subscription.
Written specifically for human resources practitioners, our articles will keep you informed about all the important HR news, thought leadership and trends. You'll receive:
Access to all our free editorial Four-plus new articles each week Excerpts from our compliance and best-practice webcasts Event invitations And much more