What Do Working Mothers Really Want?
The first Sunday in March marked Mothers’ Day. We hope that all mothers had a lovely weekend with their families, and they received flowers, chocolates, breakfast in bed, and above all, love and appreciation.
Sadly, the latest data do not show that mothers’ problems will be solved with flowers and chocolates. Let’s consider how mothers are doing:
According to a US Survey Published by Motherly
- 46% of mothers are seeking therapy
- 62% of mothers report getting less than an hour to themselves a day
- 78% of mothers admit to sacrificing sleep to take care of their families
According to a UK Survey Published by REC Parenting
- 46% of working mothers have considered leaving their job because they can’t handle their work and parenting responsibilities:
According to a Survey Recently Published by Calm
- 90% of women said family planning challenges can be all-consuming and affect their mental health and their ability to focus at work and be productive
- 17% of working mothers did not talk to anyone when experiencing challenges with their children’s mental health, and 14% did not discuss their miscarriage or pregnancy loss
According to a UK survey by Bright Horizons:
- 74% of women say they carry the mental load for parenting compared to 48% of men
- 51% of women say they work flexibly to fulfil childcare requirements compared to 27% of men
- 63% of women report feeling confident discussing family-related issues with their employer
All in all, the latest research tells us that mothers are facing significant issues. They need support. Employers are in a perfect position to ease some of the worries that their working mothers are facing. What actions can they take?
- Create truly family-friendly workplaces: Start the conversation around what needs to change to better support mothers, model caring out loud, create an ERG for parents and caregivers…
- When designing employees’ benefit package: Make mothers’ mental health a priority
- Train line managers so they are better able to support working mothers in their teams
- Offer 24/7 expert parenting support
- Offer flexible working
- Help with childcare
Flowers and chocolates are a great gift but I bet that all working mothers would say that receiving support for their employers would be the best gift ever. And let’s not forget that when we support mothers, we are supporting their children.
If you think your organization can do more to support your working mothers and anyone who mothers, do get in touch with us. There are so many things that we can do together!
Much love,
Ana
Thank you so much for your comment. I totally get what you mean. It is always difficult to have kids living with you, wanting to support them and their parents but at the same time not wanting to step in anyone's toes. If there's anything we can do to support you and your family, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
Ana
Ana
sO great to have you here! Totally agree that Zara is great! What other topics would you like us to discuss?
Ana
Ana
I'd imagine this is quite deteremental for a childs development in the long run as nothing stays the same forever, and we shouldn't really be making these categorisations, especially towards our children.
Just live life, sometimes you'll have to be the parent that's the shoulder to cry on. The week after you may have to raise your voice a little when everyone is in a rush and you're trying to get your children's shoes on.
Just balance it all out, don't be too self critical and pick up on what your child wants and needs.
Again, great writeup!