UQ research into a work-sponsored parenting program, Workplace Triple P, indicates that helping employees balance work and family commitments brings significant benefits for businesses and families.
The research by the University's Parent and Family Support Centre showed that implementing evidence-based parenting information and skills in the workplace can increase work productivity and reduce family conflict.
Results showed that parents who received the intervention reported significantly lower levels of personal distress including reduced depression, anxiety and stress and less dysfunctional parenting.
They also reported higher levels of work commitment, work satisfaction and work efficiency.
Workplace Triple P is based on the internationally acclaimed Triple P – Positive Parenting Program. This is a comprehensive system of parenting and family support designed specifically to assist working parents maintain their productivity at work and at the same time be effective and confident in the task of raising healthy, well adjusted children.
The project examined the relationship between family conflict and work stress and measured the effects of employees participating in Workplace Triple P.
The study randomly assigned 123 working parents with children ranging in age from one-16 to either a Workplace Triple P condition or to a waitlist control condition.
“Research shows a direct link between the state of the household and achievement in the workplace,” said Professor Sanders, Director of the Parent and Family Support Centre at UQ and founder of Triple P.
“If your child is anxious or depressed it’s going to weigh on you wherever you are.
"If your teenage daughter is rebellious to the extent she’s at risk then that’s going to intrude on your thinking.
"If your toddler won’t settle at night, you’ll be tired and irritable. It gets very hard to focus, to enjoy the challenges of your work and advance your career when you’re living the trials of your children.”
Findings also indicated significant benefits for employers. When workers’ families functioned well, results showed staff were less stressed, were able to concentrate more effectively at work, and were less distracted by home issues at work.
Research also indicated that fewer mistakes were made, there were fewer accidents and injuries at work, and staff were likely to take less time off.
“In short, taking care of the parenting needs of staff can result in a more productive, less stressed work force, who are more satisfied with their own work performance,” Professor Sanders said.
Workplace Triple P helps parents learn practical and effective strategies for juggling home and work commitments.
Parenting strategies are introduced for dealing with a wide range of behavioural and developmental issues parents encounter at different stages of their child’s development from infancy to adolescence.
It also involves learning to manage the daily stress of parenting at difficult times (e.g. the early morning rush of getting ready for work and school, picking children up from school).
“Balancing work and family is one of the key issues of our time,” Professor Sanders said.
“And as we celebrate National Families Week (11th – 17th May) there has never been a better time to support Australian families.”
Media:For more information contact: John Pickering 3365 7306/0407007744
