Although almost one-third of women are the breadwinners of their families, working mothers still devote twice as much time to childcare than men do. And with many workers having to work from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, working mothers have to juggle the roles of teacher and daycare provider on top of their jobs.
As the pandemic situation continues to evolve, and when schools will reopen remain uncertain, many working mothers have had to make the difficult choice between staying in their job or quitting to take care of their children. Those who choose to keep their jobs often find themselves under a lot of stress, which might impact productivity and overall well being.
To help working mothers balance their family and professional responsibilities, Rebecca Henderson, CEO of Randstad Global Businesses, suggests that employers should “get real-time updates on how the working mothers in their company are feeling … to learn how they can better respond to their situational needs.”
Companies should also consider offering financial assistance, providing alternate work arrangements, and expanding and communicating benefits.
“It is important that employers offer support to working mothers, not only to retain valuable talent in their organization, but to also prove that having a family and a fulfilling career is possible even during the toughest of times,” writes Henderson.
Read the full article in Thrive Global for more insights on how employers can better support working parents during these challenging times. You can also watch the recording of our recent webinar, “Inclusive leadership during times of crisis,” for tips on creating a welcoming environment for your diverse workforce.
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