How parents make the workplace better for everyone The pandemic has pushed millions of parents, largely women, to cut back on work, or leave their jobs altogether. This has resulted in many losses for those employees: wages, career plans and often, a sense of purpose beyond family life. The setbacks aren’t limited to the employee, though. Employers also stand to lose a lot when parents drop out of the workforce. Parents and caregivers, out of necessity, are the front line in the fight against the culture of overwork that is widespread. All of us — those with care responsibilities and those without — benefit from free time. We’d all be happier if we worked less, and our work productivity wouldn’t necessarily suffer, research has suggested.