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Working and caring for a child with chronic illness: Barriers in achieving work-family balance

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 February 2015

Ajesh George ,
Margaret H Vickers ,
Lesley Wilkes  and
Belinda Barton
Ajesh George
Affiliation:
School of Management – NFORCE Research Group, University of Western Sydney, NSW, Australia
Margaret H Vickers
Affiliation:
School of Management – NFORCE Research Group, University of Western Sydney, NSW, Australia
Lesley Wilkes
Affiliation:
School of Nursing – NFORCE Research Group, University of Western Sydney, NSW, Australia
Belinda Barton
Affiliation:
Children's Hospital Education Research Institute (CHERI), The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney NSW, Australia
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Abstract

This paper shares some findings from the initial, qualitative stage of a larger, national study currently being undertaken in Australia, exploring the experiences of parents who are working full-time and caring for a child with chronic illness. The findings highlight the limited support that most parents receive in their workplace, especially from employers. In-depth interviews revealed the negative and unsupportive attitude that employers had towards these parents. The provision of flexible work arrangements and leave entitlements, which were critical supports for these parents, were rarely offered by employers. Respondents reported high levels of frustration and difficulty balancing their dual roles.

Keywords

chronic illnessdisabilityemploymentflexibilityfamily–friendly workplacework-family balance
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Management & Organization , Volume 14 , Issue 1 , March 2008 , pp. 59 - 72
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press and Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management 2008

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