Our research
At Working Families, our research is a powerful engine for change – grounded in evidence, driven by real-life stories, and designed to shape policy. We produce cutting-edge insights into the experiences of working parents and carers across the UK, and the practices of forward-thinking employers. By combining robust data with compelling personal narratives, we bring to life the real challenges and successes of families balancing work and care. Our findings not only inform national conversations but also influence workplace policy and government decision-making, ensuring that the voices of working families are heard where it matters most.
The Benchmark survey
Benchmark Report 2024
This report highlights key trends and insights on flexible working, family-friendly culture, gender equality, and wellbeing practices among leading employers.
Recent academic research partnerships
We frequently collaborate with academic partners to produce rigorous, high-impact research on family-friendly and flexible working. These partnerships allow us to combine our on-the-ground insights with academic expertise.
We’re always open to conversations about new research partnerships on family-friendly and flexible working in the UK, particularly around the following areas:
- The business case for flexible and family-friendly working
- Diverse families in the workplace
- Parents and carers with the least access to justice
- The experiences of carers in the workplace
If you’d like to explore a collaboration, please contact our Head of Research and Storytelling, Dr Rebecca Jones, at rebecca.jones@workingfamilies.org.uk.
Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
This paper reports on the findings from a collaboration between the Work and Equalities Institute, University of Manchester and Working Families which focuses on UK-based small to medium enterprises and family-friendly work practices.
Future-Proofing Your Flexible Workforce
This report outlines how the extraordinary work-from-home ‘social experiment’ during the pandemic affected working parents, and how organisations and line managers sought to minimise the impact of the pandemic through using flexible working to support their staff.
Transition to Parenthood in UK SMEs (Middlesex University London)
Shared Parental Leave: Did It Work? (University of Bath)
Calls for research participants
We’re happy to consider sharing calls for participants in research projects that explore flexible and family-friendly working, aimed at parents, carers, and employers. While we typically promote studies led by academic institutions and which have ethical approval, we’re open to considering other relevant research on a case-by-case basis. For more information, please contact our Head of Research and Storytelling, Dr Rebecca Jones, at rebecca.jones@workingfamilies.org.uk.
Our recent polling
Poll Results: Views on parental leave in areas with marginal seats
This polling was designed to understand the views of parents living in marginal constituencies in England and Wales. The results indicate that political parties that opt to introduce better leave and entitlements could well encourage voters to vote for them, with 67% of respondents feeling more inclined to vote for candidates or parties that include this in their manifesto.
A Third of Working Parents Forced to Cut Hours Due to Childcare Struggles, as Work and Home Boundaries Blur
A new survey we commissioned for National Work Life Week (7-11 October) has found that one in three working parents have had to reduce their working hours due to difficulties accessing affordable and reliable childcare.
Mental health growing concern for working parents, says new poll
Two in five (39%) working parents of children under 18 say they’d like mental health support in the workplace, according to a new YouGov poll commissioned by Working Families and Bright Horizons.
The Business Case for Family-Friendly Working
This document outlines the key business benefits of flexible and family-friendly working, supported by the latest data and employer insights.