Parents of young children are a more motivated workforce than average, but what do they expect from their workplace?

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 09. 01. 10:30

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Parents returning to work after maternity leave are primarily looking for flexible working arrangements, a secure workplace and a predictable replacement system, and in return, companies can count on them as highly motivated and loyal employees. Profession.hu analyzed the data from nearly 4,000 advertisements posted for young children to find out what aspects and challenges arise in their employment and how they can find jobs that are most suitable for them.

Parents with young children face many difficulties when returning to the world of work after maternity leave – whether they return to their previous workplace or look for a new job. Some of the concerns that arise necessarily arise from their changed life situation. Due to the care of the child(ren), the introduction to daycare or kindergarten, daily transportation, and the organization of supervision during breaks and illnesses, the needs and priorities of employees often change compared to their previous work. However, there are many tools available to both employees and companies to manage these situations and create optimal frameworks.

Points that parents should consider

When parents start planning their return to work, it is worth considering what their main considerations are.

“Think about how much you can commit to working hours to create the ideal balance for you and consider the possibility of working part-time, either in the short or long term. If you feel that you cannot currently work eight hours a day in addition to your parental responsibilities, do not do so, because sooner or later it will put too much of a burden on you. One possible option in such cases is to start working four hours a day again, which can later be extended to eight hours, as the new rhythm and circumstances set in. According to the law, upon request, the previous workplace is obliged to provide parents with a four-hour work position until the child is four years old, and in the case of three or more children, until the child is six years old. We also recommend a flexible approach from parents looking for work in this regard, i.e. if, for example, they are looking for a four-hour opportunity, but a company offers an eight-hour position, they should assess how flexible their workplace is that would still allow them to fill the given position” – draws attention to Alma Kispéter, Senior recruitment and selection expert at Profession.hu.