Supporting Working Parents: Balancing Career And Care In Vietnam

Vietnam is a country where family values run deep. Over the years, the Southeast Asian nation has seen considerable socio-economic changes, including an increasing number of working parents.

As the workforce dynamics evolve, the challenges of balancing career and childcare have become ever more evident. Here, we delve into the state of working parents in Vietnam, examining the support systems available and suggesting ways to further harmonize work and family life.

The Rise of Dual-Income Households

In Vietnam, the dual-income household is becoming a norm. As per the General Statistics Office of Vietnam, there was a significant increase in recent years in the number of families where both parents worked full-time. Economic pressures, coupled with rising living costs in urban areas like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, have necessitated both parents to join the workforce.

Childcare Facilities and Their Shortcomings

Despite the growth of dual-income families, Vietnam's childcare infrastructure has struggled to keep pace. This lack of access pushes parents to rely on informal arrangements, such as enlisting the help of grandparents or unlicensed daycare providers. While familial support is invaluable, it isn't a sustainable solution for every family, especially with the growing trend of nuclear families.

Workplace Policies and Parental Benefits

There are silver linings, however. In recent years, Vietnam has made strides in implementing more family-friendly workplace policies. In 2013, for instance, Vietnam increased maternity leave from four to six months. Additionally, fathers are now entitled to 14 days of paternity leave, up from 5 days in the previous regulation.

Such policies are crucial for two reasons. Firstly, they allow parents crucial bonding time with their newborns, a factor shown to be significant for the child's overall well-being. Secondly, extended parental leave can reduce employee turnover.

Flexibility and Remote Work: A Growing Trend

The global shift towards remote work has also been evident in Vietnam. A survey found that almost 90% of employees in Vietnam favoured a combination of office and remote work, citing better work-life balance as the primary reason. Such flexibility can be a game-changer for working parents, allowing them to better juggle their professional responsibilities with the demands of childcare.

The Role of Corporations and Employers

Companies operating in Vietnam have a significant role to play in supporting working parents. Beyond statutory requirements, many multinational corporations are introducing initiatives like flexible working hours, in-house childcare facilities, and parental support groups. These efforts not only foster employee loyalty but also enhance the company's reputation as a family-friendly employer.