Parents want to be admired by their children – and therefore make an effort at work

Neue Zürcher Zeitung — 10 July 2024

This NZZ article discusses how children can motivate their parents to excel in their jobs. Contrary to the belief that starting a family hinders career progress, the Center for Leadership in the Future of Work at the University of Zurich found that having children can actually motivate parents to perform better at work. In 2017, a study observed 97 employees in low-wage jobs in Northern Mexico and found that those motivated by the desire to support their families performed better. The management magazine “Harvard Business Review” reported on this and other studies from related fields of research in an article in June.

Parents want to be admired by their children and to serve as role models, demonstrating a strong work ethic. Prof. Dr. Jochen Menges, a management professor at the University of Zurich, co-authored the study and believes that children understand the non-monetary value of their parents’ work. Prof. Menges argues that companies should recognize the motivational impact of family life and incorporate employees' families into company events to foster a supportive environment.

The article also touches on the broader implications of family dynamics on work, suggesting that skills gained from parenting can benefit professional roles. However, it notes that starting a family is often seen as a career impediment, especially for women, due to the demands of “greedy jobs” that reward extensive overtime and weekend work, as explored by Harvard professor Claudia Goldin. The findings indicate that part-time employees, including women, can find meaning in their work by being role models for their children, even if this does not necessarily lead to career advancement.

Article by Isabelle Wachter