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Working and Caring for a Child with Chronic Illness: Barriers in achieving work-family balance
Ajesh George
Doctoral Student, School of Management, NFORCE Research Group, University of Western Sydney, NSW
Margaret H Vickers
Associate Professor, School of Management - NFORCE Research Group, University of Western Sydney, NSW
Lesley Wilkes
Professor, School of Nursing - NFORCE Research Group, University of Western Sydney, NSW
Belinda Barton
Head, Children’s Hospital Education Research Institute (CHERI), The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney NSW
Abstract
This paper shares some findings from the initial, qualitative stage of a larger, national study currently being undertaken in Australia, exploring the experiences of parents who are working full-time and caring for a child with chronic illness. The findings highlight the limited support that most parents receive in their workplace, especially from employers.
In-depth interviews revealed the negative and unsupportive attitude that employers had towards these parents. The provision of flexible work arrangements and leave entitlements, which were critical supports for these parents, were rarely offered by employers. Respondents reported high levels of frustration and difficulty balancing their dual roles.
Keywords
chronic illness, disability, employment, flexibility, family-friendly workplace, work-family balance
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