Three in 10 working parents have high stress levels, research finds

Nearly 30% of working parents reported high stress levels, with 80% of those stating that this stress makes it difficult to focus on work, according to the 2025 Modern Families Index, published by Bright Horizons.

The report noted a decline in workplace support for parents, with only 68% finding their employer supportive, compared to 77% in 2023.

The proportion of parents describing their employer as ‘highly supportive’ also fell from 29% in 2023 to 20%.

The availability of flexible working arrangements decreased by 22% compared to the previous year, coinciding with rising stress levels among working parents.

Concerns about children’s mental health and development increased, with more than 51% of parents expressing worries about their children’s mental health, particularly those with children in their teenage years.

Parents and carers with very high stress levels reported feeling overwhelmed, with 72% describing their stress as ‘completely overwhelming’ and 80% stating that it affects their ability to focus on work.