Dean of Students and Professor of Sociology (Practice) Paulin Straughan commented on the Marriage and Parenthood survey, commissioned by the National Population and Talent Division, for which she was a research consultant. Four out of 10 respondents who were single had never been in a serious relationship – defined as dating with a view towards marriage – while nearly six in 10 were currently not dating seriously. The majority of respondents said the availability of flexible work arrangements would have made or have made it easier for them to start a family and have more children. “Employers should recognise that implementing family-friendly initiatives such as flexible work arrangements helps to attract and retain talent, as well as boost productivity in the long run. It also helps if co-workers could be more understanding when parents need to take time off from work to take care of their young child,” said Prof Straughan.