Supporting Single Parents in the Workplace
March 21st marks National Single Parent Day, a time to acknowledge the resilience and dedication of single parents who balance their careers while raising children. For single parents, the challenge isn’t just about time management, it’s a constant juggle of professional responsibilities and caregiving demands. Without the support of a co-parent in the home, the mental, emotional, and financial load is often significantly higher.
At Parent & Professional (P&P), we understand the unique challenges of single parenting because some of us have lived it first-hand. Our single-parent team members have come together to write this piece and prepare a Practical Survival Guide to help other single parents navigate the complex balance of work and family. We know how tough it can be, and we want to share real-world advice and strategies that have worked for us.
As organisations work toward creating more inclusive and supportive workplaces, it’s important to recognise the unique challenges single parents face and take action to ensure they feel valued, supported, and able to thrive. Even small adjustments can make a big difference in their experience at work.
Understanding the Challenges Single Parents Face at Work
Single parents often experience workplace challenges that can affect their career growth and overall wellbeing, including:
✅ Lack of Flexibility – Fixed hours, rigid policies, and limited remote work options can make it difficult to juggle childcare, school drop-offs and unexpected emergencies.
✅ Financial Pressures – Single parents are often the sole earners in their households, making job security, fair pay and career progression even more critical.
✅ Stigma and Bias – Some single parents report experiencing unconscious bias, where they are perceived as less available or committed due to their caregiving responsibilities.
✅ Limited Access to Support Networks – Many workplace family support initiatives assume the presence of two caregivers, leaving single parents feeling overlooked.
✅ Mental Load and Burnout – Managing work and home life alone can lead to stress, exhaustion and burnout, impacting productivity and engagement.
How Organisations Can Begin Supporting Single Parents in the Workplace
The good news? Organisations can implement small but meaningful adjustments to create a workplace where single parents feel supported and empowered. Here are a few ways to start supporting single parents in the workplace:
- Flexible Work Arrangements – Offering remote work, flexible start and finish times, or compressed workweeks allows single parents to manage their responsibilities without feeling penalised.
- Supportive Leave Policies – Ensuring parental leave, emergency leave and compassionate leave policies are inclusive of single parents can make a world of difference.
- Access to Affordable Childcare – Partnering with local childcare providers, offering childcare stipends, or providing on-site childcare can ease financial and logistical burdens.
- Employee Resource Groups for Single Parents – Creating a space where single parents can connect, share experiences and support each other fosters a sense of belonging.
- Mentorship and Career Growth Opportunities – Single parents should not have to choose between career advancement and caregiving. Providing coaching, training and clear career progression paths ensures they feel invested in and valued.
- A Culture of Understanding – Encouraging managers to lead with empathy and normalising open conversations about work-life balance helps remove stigma and bias against single parents.
Practical Resources for Single Parents
We understand that being a single parent is a demanding and often overwhelming experience. That’s why we’ve created a Practical Survival Guide brought together by the single parents in our team to provide tips from one single parent to another. This guide includes:
✅ Time-saving tips for managing work and home responsibilities
✅ Advice on setting boundaries and communicating needs at work
✅ Self-care strategies to prevent burnout
✅ Tips for building a support network both at work and in personal life
👉 Download the Survival guide for single parents juggling work & family life
Would you like to learn more about how your organisation can create a family-friendly workplace? Get in touch today!