Caring for family results in fewer career opportunities

A new Canadian study suggests that those who have a greater involvement in their family life, particularly when it involves significant care of a child or relative, are less likely to be offered challenging and progressive career opportunities in the workplace.

McMaster University professor Rick Hackett collaborated on the project and says employees who feel the pull from their family life tend to have fewer resources to devote to their paid jobs.

That results in declining work performance, which makes their bosses less likely to provide them with challenging tasks or opportunities to build their careers.

When this happens, the study suggests, employees have fewer chances to show their capabilities and, as a result, fail to win the confidence of their bosses.

“I think things can be done both from the employer perspective, but also on the home front to help people cope with these home demands,” Hackett said.

That’s all very well, but it does beg the question as to what value society as a whole puts upon family life. Having said that, in today’s world of work, with its pressures and ‘work all hours’ mentality, the balancing act is a hard one to maintain. Wanting to care for one’s family is very admirable, and perhaps it demands a sacrifice in career.

What do you think?

Via Canada.com