40% of working parents are ‘pulling sickies’ to care for poorly children, new study finds

“Parents are constantly juggling the demands of work and family life, but when a household comes down with a bug, the pressure can feel overwhelming,” said Rachel Ramsden, brand manager at Olbas.

For many, the stress doesn’t stop there. An overwhelming 81% of parents said they wish their employers offered more flexible working arrangements to accommodate the needs of their family during such times.

The survey also revealed some gender differences. Fathers are 15% more likely than mothers to lie about their reason for calling in sick, while mothers are more inclined to seek help from grandparents for childcare when their children are ill.

This reliance on extended family highlights how crucial a strong support network can be. “In this day and age, having a strong support network—whether it’s grandparents or close friends—can make all the difference when everything starts to feel like too much,” added Ramsden.

Caring for a sick child often has a knock-on effect on a parent’s own health. According to The Daily Express, 64% of parents admitted their health suffers when their child is unwell, with 65% describing a domino effect where illness spreads through the household.

Colds (47%), coughs (39%), and sore throats (22%) are among the most common illnesses parents catch from their children. Despite this, 72% of parents feel they have no choice but to ‘power through’ even when under the weather.

Dr Roger Henderson, an NHS GP who worked with Olbas on the study, stressed the importance of taking rest seriously: “It’s essential to listen to your body and take time off if you’re feeling run down. Early signs of illness—like fatigue, headaches, or a scratchy throat—can be easily overlooked in busy lives.”

For most parents, the solution lies in workplaces becoming more understanding. Flexibility and support, such as the option to work from home or adjust schedules during a child’s illness, could ease the burden on working parents significantly.

“Flexible and supportive work environments help individuals, especially parents, balance responsibilities while maintaining their health,” Dr Henderson explained.

While 78% of parents agree it takes longer to recover from an illness when they don’t rest, it’s clear many feel there’s no room for downtime in their busy schedules. This cultural expectation to ‘power through’ is taking its toll, both physically and emotionally, on families across the UK.

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