Decisions about Caring and Working

Author: K Gendall and L Fawthorpe

The Department of Labour and the National Advisory Council on the Employment of Women (NACEW) commissioned research to identify the factors that influence people’s decisions surrounding paid work, and to provide a better picture of the decision making process. This study found that multiple factors influence people’s choices about paid work, and that different approaches suit different people in different situations.

The Department of Labour and the National Advisory Council on the Employment of Women (NACEW) commissioned research to identify the factors that influence people’s decisions surrounding paid work, and to provide a better picture of the decision making process. Fifty qualitative interviews were undertaken with people with primary caring responsibilities for children and/or adults, or in a few cases, shared caring responsibility with their partner. This study found that multiple factors influence people’s choices about paid work, and that different approaches suit different people in different situations. Participants made decisions that, as far as possible, balanced their beliefs about caring with their commitment to work and their need for intellectual satisfaction, social contact and money. Their decisions were based on their personal preferences, rather than on information about financial benefits or services that might support them in their role. The research also highlighted the importance of providing an environment that supports people’s choices to be involved in employment, and to care for their loved ones.

Decisions about Caring and Working is available as a PDF document.
The document is 370KB, and 77 pages.

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Decisions about Caring and Working [pdf 77 pages, 370KB]





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