"Finally, We Could Have Slower Mornings and Proper Breakfasts!": Mapping Parenting Experience During Pandemic-Enforced Lockdown in Poland

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore and indicate key moments in the experience of the Polish mothers who are caregivers and worked professionally during a national COVID-related lockdown between March and May 2020. This is a mixed-methods study. The main data was collected by an online survey (n=153) run between 14 and 30 May 2020 asking parents about the most challenging and the most positive moments they experienced during a homestay with their children. The responses were coded thematically. Additionally, five in-depth interviews with HR Business Partners in multinational companies have been conducted. As a result, the list of “positive” and “challenging” moments has been established identifying challenging areas such as: organizing daily routines, especially meals for all family members, and selfperception of being neither a “good enough” parent nor a productive employee. The positive discoveries about this unusual reality included seeing the national lockdown as an opportunity for a “slower pace of living”, strengthening family bonds, and experiencing the children’s independence in daily routines. In conclusion, the findings emphasise the importance of enabling flexibility to employees in giving the flexibility to decide on and organise his work schedule and priorities, expectations setting, and defining the desired outcome of work with a supervisor including clear communication about the expected level of availability and visibility in front of the computer.