More than seven in ten parents in Ireland say childcare accessibility has directly affected their ability to work, according to new research from hiring platform Indeed.
The survey, conducted by Censuswide with 1,000 parents nationwide, reveals the extent to which childcare challenges are shaping work and family life. Nearly a quarter of respondents said they had cut their working hours at some point to bridge childcare gaps, with women found to be twice as likely as men to make such adjustments.
The research highlights more severe outcomes as well. Around 9% of parents reported having changed jobs, while a further 5% said they had left the workforce entirely due to difficulties in securing childcare. For many, informal arrangements have become a lifeline: two-thirds of parents rely on friends or family for support.
At the same time, the financial burden remains a significant pressure point. Over 80% of respondents said childcare costs place a heavy strain on household budgets. Beyond money, parents also feel they are missing out on family life. More than two-thirds admitted to missing important milestones in their child’s life because of work commitments. Among lone parents, that figure rises sharply to 81%.
The survey also sheds light on how flexible working practices are reshaping the picture. More than two-thirds of parents said remote or hybrid working has made it easier to balance employment with care responsibilities. Interestingly, men were more likely than women to report that flexible arrangements helped them manage family obligations.
Derek Diviney, Vice President at Indeed, said the findings underscored the economic implications of the childcare crisis.
“Parents, and particularly female and lone parents, are being forced to cut hours, turn down opportunities or even leave jobs due to this pressure,” he said. “Our research highlights how childcare is not just a family issue, it’s an economic one.”
Diviney added that practical solutions could deliver meaningful change: “The perennial challenges working parents face become particularly evident at this time of year, but it’s clear from our findings that accessible childcare and practical flexibility can make all the difference to retaining top talent.”
The study, which accounted for a wide spread of geography, gender, age, industry, and parental status, paints a consistent picture across demographics: most parents believe that access to affordable childcare would not only ease financial pressures but also significantly improve their overall quality of life.
With Ireland continuing to debate the cost and structure of childcare provision, the findings underline the urgency of policy reforms that could help both families and employers retain a more stable workforce.
