In today's fast-paced world, achieving a healthy work-life balance is a challenge faced by many working parents. With the increasing demands of both professional and family life, it's no surprise that many struggle to find equilibrium. 

Recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics highlights that three-quarters of all couple families have both parents employed, and 70% of working parents report difficulties in balancing their responsibilities. Additionally, 40% of Australian parents experience stress, anxiety, or depression as a result of these challenges.

This growing concern has led to a shift in how employers and employees approach work-life balance. Flexible working arrangements, supportive workplace cultures, and strong personal support networks are becoming essential in managing the pressures of modern parenthood. 

In the latest edition of Edge Recruitment’s The Property Edge market update, Peta Seaman, Managing Director and Mary-Jane Massicci, Senior Recruitment Consultant, explored the real-life experiences of working parents and shared insights into how employers can better support their staff.

The Reality of Balancing Work and Family

As a busy working mother with two teenage boys, Mary-Jane knows firsthand how challenging it can be to juggle work and family commitments. 

"To be honest with you, Peta, the truth about it is I don’t do it very well," she admitted. "I am an early riser in the mornings. I do get up any time from 4:30 in the morning onwards to make sure that my household runs quite smoothly throughout the day."

Like many parents, Mary-Jane faces the added complexity of managing her children’s after-school jobs, sports, and social activities. The situation is made even trickier when parents work different schedules, as is the case in her household. 

"My husband works various different hours, not office hours. So we’re maintaining different rosters. Sometimes we are ships in the night. With parents, it's about communication. It's about working together as a family unit to get things right for everybody concerned."

Practical Strategies for Working Parents

One of the key takeaways from the conversation was the importance of seeking support and not trying to do everything alone. 

"You can’t be everything to everybody. So ask for help," Mary-Jane advised. "If that means having a cleaning lady once a week, if it means having a gardener, if it means having a pool maintenance man—have it. If that’s what it takes to get you through, have it."

She also highlighted the power of community. "Ask if your children need a lift to a sporting commitment. Work together with your community around you, and things will go fine."

Peta echoed these sentiments, noting how essential it is for families to stay organised.

"Communication is definitely key. I know with my own family, we have to have a family diary so that we know where everyone is at all times."

How Employers Can Support Work-Life Balance

For employers, providing flexibility is one of the best ways to help working parents maintain balance. 

"Post-COVID, I think employers have got very good with managing flexible working hours," Mary-Jane observed. "Whether it means coming in at 9:30 so you can do your school drop-off and working until 6:00 at night or coming in early and leaving early to go to those sporting commitments at the end of the day, most employers are looking at that sort of arrangement."

She also pointed out that allowing employees to adjust their schedules can lead to a more engaged and productive workforce. 

"It might also be working longer hours a couple of days a week so that you can leave at 3:00 in the afternoon to go coach a soccer team. Flexibility is the key to securing the best talent for your office."

Practical Tips for Achieving a Healthy Work-Life Balance

Achieving work-life balance requires intentional effort and planning. Here are some practical strategies for both employees and employers:



• Set Clear Boundaries: Define work hours and personal time to ensure neither aspect of life takes over the other.

• Prioritise Tasks: Focus on the most important and time-sensitive tasks first to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Leverage Flexible Work Arrangements: Discuss flexible work options with your employer, such as remote work or adjusted hours, to better align with family commitments.

• Delegate Responsibilities: Both at work and home, delegation can help reduce stress and workload.

• Utilise Support Networks: Lean on family, friends, or community groups for help with childcare or other responsibilities.

• Take Breaks and Personal Time: Self-care is essential. Whether it's a short walk, meditation, or a hobby, taking time for yourself can improve overall well-being.

• Encourage Open Communication: Employers and employees should maintain an open dialogue about workload expectations and flexibility needs.

Work-life balance isn’t about achieving perfection—it’s about making adjustments that allow you to thrive both professionally and personally. By fostering a culture of flexibility and support, both individuals and businesses can benefit from a more balanced and productive workforce.

For more insights on how to maintain a healthy work-life balance, check out this guide.

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We connect the best people in property in South Australia. Since 1998, we have helped thousands of individuals and businesses to achieve their goals. Edge Recruitment has been named the top property recruitment agency in SA for the last 3 years. Focusing our business on property, real estate and administration has cemented our reputation as specialists in recruitment for these industries.