National Work Life Week runs from 7 to 11 October.  At Gingerbread we’ve been reflecting on how working and wellbeing can come together to make life a little easier for single parents.  

 Whether you’re a single parent in employment or thinking about joining the job market, or an employer wanting to support single parents in your workforce, we have a range of actions you can take today to make a difference.  

Nic Marks is an eminent figure within the world of wellbeing. As a statistician with a passion for using evidence to improve wellbeing, his past projects have included drafting the ‘5 ways to wellbeing’. This is  a foundational piece of research which many organisations use today to inform wellbeing support.  

The 5 ways to wellbeing are:

Connect: building and maintaining positive relationships

Be active: physical activity can really boost our mental health

Take notice: being mindful of the present moment

Keep learning: give your mind a workout by learning something new

Give: acts of kindness and caring for others can increase our own wellbeing.

Nic uses a similar approach to research wellbeing in the workplace.  He’s created the ‘5 ways to happiness at work’: connection, fairness, empowerment, challenge, and inspiration are key. 

 Have you tried our wellbeing programme? It’s a free, online programme to help single parents support and maintain their wellbeing with a focus on the 5 ways to wellbeing.  

Imagine a world where flexible working came as standard with any role. It would allow single parents and employers to work together to find solutions to the daily parenting juggling act which many of us face.

Flexible working as standard would benefit employers too. They’re missing out on the talents and skills that single parents can bring to the workplace. Simple changes such as starting later or finishing in time for school pick-up would make a world of difference.  

Research from the charity Working Families shows that nearly a third of working parents have had to reduce their working hours due to difficulties accessing childcare. And more than half have previously decided against applying for a job because it didn’t offer flexibility.  

Gingerbread are campaigning for more action on childcare, as well as incentives for employers to create more flexible and part-time roles.  Join us to get involved.

Of course, many of us work in order to pay the bills but the workplace is also a chance for single parents to reclaim their identity, work to their strengths, contribute to a wider aim and build connections.   

We know social isolation affects wellbeing. Often, single parents are time poor and may find it a challenge to stay connected to support networks. Meeting up with people is another ‘to do’ that often gets sacrificed when there aren’t enough hours in the day. 

Gingerbread can support employers who would like to set up single– parent groups in their workplaces to give colleagues the opportunity to meet with others in similar situations during the working day.   

 Emily, Gingerbread Groups Manager, says: ‘Single parents in the workplace often feel the need to leave that part of their identity at the door when going into work, due to fears of stigma or being perceived as less flexible than their peers. 

Running a single–parent group in your workplace provides a safe, non-judgmental space for single parents to share their experiences, giving them the opportunity to develop meaningful connections and friendships, and access peer guidance and advice.

‘The positive impact and outcomes these groups have on reducing loneliness, isolation, stress and improving the overall wellbeing of single parents cannot be overestimated.’

 Our groups team are here to support anyone who’s interested in starting a single-parent group. Get in touch for more information. 

If you’d like  support to return to work, our advice team could help you. You can speak to one of our expert advisers for free by telephone or webchat, Monday to Friday. We also have information on our website about how to make employment work for you.   

Join us on our social media channels (you can find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn)  and tell us about your biggest work challenges – or how you’ve managed to get a good work-life balance.