They are also Parents They Are Also Parents - A Study on Migrant Workers | Page 32

CCR CSR | A Study on Migrant Workers with Left-behind Children in China | August 2013 CCR CSR | A Study on Migrant Workers with Left-behind Children in China | August 2013 internet cafés. I was worried she was becoming addicted, but we’re so far Figure 17: Impact of parenthood on the lives of migrant workers (multiple choice) away from her, that we wouldn’t have a clue if there was a problem. During 90% the summer holidays I went back again and brought her back here”. 80% 70% The impact on work performance and employment stability Being away from their children had a clear impact on the work performance of migrant parents, with many feeling distracted and lacking commitment to the job (59%); others making frequent errors due to their worry about children (38%); and some feeling unhappy and unenthusiastic (33%). 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% This study found that the impact on the work of the parents of left-behind children is greatest when the children are still infants, and again when they 10% 0% I feel like has lost meaning I'm often anxious because I am worried about my child Something to do with my child has caused tension in my family I often feel guilty, with a sense of not doing right by my child I often miss my child and feel a sense of real sadness I'm irritable and often find my relationships with other becoming tense 0-1 year old 28% 55% 32% 60% 58% 15% 1-2.5 year old 33% 44% 23% 74% 63% 12% 3-6 year old 29% 44% 21% 72% 59% 6% 7-10 year old 22% 44% 21% 76% 58% 5% 11-14 year old 21% 38% 28% 77% 52% 5% 15-18 year old 26% 41% 19% 73% 53% 10% reach adolescence. In comparison, the impact on parents of the migrant children is relatively smaller. As noted before, these parents are often among the most stable of all workers. However, overall, among the top 5 reasons for quitting work, 3 were family related, including “taking better care of the child” (Figure 16). At least 42% of interviewed workers have in the past left their job because their children, and 9% have done so often. Figure 16: Reasons for migrant parents to leave employment Age of child Reason for resignation Migrant parents with left behind children Migrant parents keeping children with them Better taking care of children 46% 52% The majority of the parents of left-behind children we interviewed in For older people ate home 29% 17% Chongqing have previously worked in other economically developed provinces, Better self development 26% 19% such as Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu. The main reason that they had Bored with previous job 12% 8% For marriage and children 27% 22% health, education, and appropriate care played a major role in the decision to Too much pressure at work 8% 4% leave work and to return home. It is therefore in the company’s interest that Desiring better management 9% 8% the workers are not separated from their children and have opportunities to Bad working condition 19% 22% moved back to Chongqing was to be closer to home, making it easier to take care of their children. As shown in the figure below, the concerns for children’s address the challenges to their family’s wellbeing. On the other hand the parents of migrant children are more likely to resign because their children cannot attend schools close to their workplace. The 30 31