Permanent tsb Gender Equality Research in support of the WorkEqual Campaign

Research by permanent tsb shows one third of all working parents worry that working from home or taking parental leave during Covid-19 will damage their career prospects

Permanent tsb commissioned research of the wider workforce in support of its internal employee engagements, to improve its understanding of issues facing the workforce as a whole and how they may affect permanent tsb employees, particularly in light of changes to working norms during the Covid-19 Pandemic.

permanent tsb research findings from working parents:

• 33% of men and 32% of women say taking parental leave would damage their career progression
• 38% of men and 22% of women say their career would suffer if they work remotely
• 35% of men and 31% of women say their career could suffer as a result of balancing work and home life during Covid disruption
• 41% of men and 37% of women feel guilty about making time for minding their children while working from home
• Childcare responsibilities have fallen disproportionately on women since the onset of the pandemic

Research conducted by Kantar, field size *733 people working part-time and full-time, including working parents and people who have no children.

Comments by Eamonn Crowley, permanent tsb Chief Executive:

“Men and women need a working culture that gives them the confidence to share their parental responsibilities without the worry that their career may suffer. This is a crucial next step in creating equality of opportunity for everyone.

Our research shows far too many employees feel they have to choose between career progression and caring for their families. Employers need to address this as a matter of urgency.

Parental leave is a statutory entitlement; no one should feel discouraged from using it. Employers also need to reassure their staff that working from home is not an obstacle to developing their careers.

At permanent tsb we are adapting to this new world of work and introducing smarter ways of working for all colleagues across the organisation, along with a continued focus on promoting equal opportunities for everyone.”

Mr Crowley will be participating in this Thursday’s WorkEqual conference on addressing under-representation of women in positions of leadership. permanent tsb is a sponsor of the WorkEqual campaign.