Why Employers Should Embrace Hiring More Moms — And Allow Remote Work

As of early this year, approximately 18.5 million mothers have skillfully balanced the challenges of work, parenting, and everything else life throws their way. While many of us adapted to working from home, it’s clear we’ve handled these challenges like the champions we are. With the added responsibilities of home-schooling during a global pandemic, one has to wonder — what can’t we achieve?

Although 18.5 million seems significant, it actually represents a decline of 3.5 million compared to the spring of 2020, according to Census.gov. Moms essentially run the world, so why aren’t employers recognizing our value? It’s time to treat us like the queens we are and allow us to work from home.

After the birth of my first child, I returned to a challenging retail job just three weeks into my unpaid leave. The expectation was for me to return as if nothing had changed, despite being sleep-deprived and battling postpartum challenges. My manager may have viewed me as a liability, but in reality, motherhood honed my multitasking and time management skills. There was only one of me, and I was determined to figure it out.

However, it’s important to acknowledge that doing it all isn’t sustainable. Even those who consider themselves superwomen can face burnout. Employers should take note: pushing employees to their limits can lead to a drastic drop in productivity. The solution lies in fostering a healthy work-life balance.

The Importance of Work-Life Balance

Since March 2019, I’ve enjoyed the flexibility of working remotely. Instead of commuting to an office, I’ve been able to work alongside my mom in her hospital room, ensuring I stay engaged with my job. Being present for her meant I could focus on work without the constant worry of missing important moments.

The concept of work-life balance often gets misinterpreted. It doesn’t suggest that work and life will always be in perfect alignment. Rather, it’s about understanding that sometimes one will demand more of your attention than the other. For instance, during a particularly hectic week for my family, I adjusted my work pace without compromising productivity. After putting the kids to bed, I just shifted my work hours instead of spreading myself too thin.

The Case for Remote Work

Certainly, not every job can be done from home — I wouldn’t want my barista to work remotely, for example. Yet for many industries, remote work is not only feasible but beneficial. Research has demonstrated that working from home can enhance productivity. Personally, avoiding the lengthy commute has given me more time and energy to devote to both my family and my work.

As a mother, I can now handle daily tasks without the anxiety of forgetting important things, like defrosting chicken for dinner. I can also attend school events, which makes a huge difference in both my personal and professional life. This flexibility means I don’t feel resentment towards my job, and I can focus all my energy on delivering stellar results.

In summary, moms make excellent employees, whether they are working from home or managing household duties. All we ask for is a bit more support from employers. It’s a win-win situation; you benefit from our productivity, and we gain precious time with our families.

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Summary:

Employers should recognize the immense value moms bring to the workforce and consider allowing them to work from home. By fostering a supportive work-life balance, companies can enhance productivity while enabling mothers to manage their personal and professional responsibilities effectively.