Employed grandparents: an essential yet still under-recognized role
Employed grandparents: an essential yet still under-recognized role
Grandparents are playing an increasingly important role in the balance of Quebec families, but their needs in terms of work–family balance remain largely underestimated. This is according to a recent survey conducted by the firm Léger for the Concilivi initiative, part of the Réseau pour un Québec Famille.
According to the results, more than one in three employed grandparents (36%) support their families out of necessity, particularly to make up for a lack of childcare services or to help parents coping with demanding schedules. Overall, 62% of respondents consider their logistical support to be a central part of their family role.
Grandparents’ involvement takes many forms: nearly half take part in educational activities with their grandchildren each month, while 43% provide childcare periods. Others accompany them to activities, provide transportation, or take part in sports and cultural leisure activities.
However, this involvement is not without challenges. Among employed grandparents, 45% say their work obligations limit their ability to participate as much as they would like. In addition, 18% report having difficulty balancing work and family responsibilities. The Executive Director of the Réseau pour un Québec Famille, Corinne Vachon Croteau, provides further details on this issue:
“It creates tension and leads to more limited capacity to be involved with their grandchildren. That’s what 45% of survey respondents report: work-related constraints are the main factor limiting their involvement with their grandchildren. We also see that 18% of employed grandparents say their work–family balance is difficult; they face challenges related to managing that balance.”
To improve this situation, respondents identified several possible solutions, including access to paid leave for family responsibilities, flexible work schedules, and better management of working time.
Corinne Vachon Croteau emphasized the importance of fully recognizing the contribution of grandparents: “This essential support enriches family life. It is necessary to broaden the concept of work–family balance to include their reality.” At present, there is no comparable data available, as this is the first survey conducted to shed light on the reality experienced by grandparents.
“We don’t have much data on employed grandparents. The study we conducted with Léger was the first survey on work–family balance among grandparents; there are no comparable studies in Quebec. We even have difficulty finding data on employed grandparents in the literature, so this really is a first.
However, considering the efforts already being made by some employers to retain experienced workers, we can expect a positive level of awareness. The study shows that work–family balance is a new lever for attracting and retaining these workers.”
The survey also highlights a lack of clarity regarding access to existing workplace measures. One-third of respondents say they are able to benefit from them, while a quarter are unsure whether they have access.
In this context, the Concilivi initiative aims to raise awareness among employers and encourage the adoption of more inclusive practices to better support experienced workers who also play a key role within their families.
