More than six out of 10 U.S. adults with children under the age of 18 (62%) believe their child care and virtual schooling duties during the Covid-19 pandemic have negatively affected their ability to get ahead in their job or career, according to results from the latest ASA Workforce Monitor^® online survey conducted by The Harris Poll.

People of color are more likely to say child care duties have been a career obstacle during Covid-19. The study also found that 60% of men agree that added responsibilities in caring for their children during the pandemic has hurt their careers, while 51% of women agree.

“Work–life balance became a thing of the past for many parents during the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Richard Wahlquist, president and chief executive officer. “Parents are feeling left behind in their careers and in their workplaces. As businesses continue to bring employees back to office, employers need to support workers with children to ensure that they remain part of the labor force and clearly understand their options for career development and growth.”