Working Mums Want Flexibility
Mums have returned to work in record numbers recently due to the variety of opportunities now available to them. Whatever the reason for their return, many working mums have one thing in common. Most working mums agree that flexibility is their number one concern when returning to the work force. In order to gain this flexibility, some working mums have found part time jobs or working at home an answer for them.
A recent study asked mums to identify factors that would lead them to consider a particular employer friendly to the family. Factors relating to flexibility were key. These employers allowed working mums flexible hours for even full time employment. Some employers went so far as to provide mums with work that can be done from home. This would allow mum to still stay home with her children while maintaining gainful employment. Mums like having flexibility in the event their child should fall ill or to be home when children are off school for holidays. In this study, such things as a longer paid maternity leave fell short of the extreme desire to have a flexible work schedule to juggle family and work.
While many family friendly employers do exist offering mums flexible hours, part time work or work from home, some mums are finding other ways to have a flexible career. The survey noted that almost half of the mums questioned had considered launching their own business to have the flexibility they desired. This is an important piece of information for employers to take into account. If they do not offer flexibility for working mums there is a great chance that this highly effective work force can be lost.
Despite many employers offering mums full time employment with flexible hours, many women still prefer part time work. The survey found that only one fourth of the women surveyed actually worked full time. Over a half of them worked part time. Many women even reported that they were willing to pass up a high paying job in favor of one that might not pay as much but that had flexible family friendly working hours.
