Why Employers Should Consider Hiring More Moms and Allow Them to Work From Home

As of early this year, around 18.5 million mothers have been managing the delicate balance between work and family life. While many have adapted to remote work, the challenges of navigating a global pandemic and suddenly becoming part-time educators make me ponder — what can’t we handle? Despite this impressive number, it’s worth noting that there are 3.5 million fewer moms in the workforce compared to early 2020, according to Census.gov. Here’s the reality: Moms are the backbone of our society, so why aren’t employers recognizing our value? And while you’re at it, let us work from home!

After welcoming my first child, I returned to my demanding retail job just three weeks into my unpaid leave. The expectation was that I would resume work as if nothing had changed, all while coping with sleepless nights and the emotional toll of postpartum depression. Although my manager couldn’t explicitly say it, I sensed that I was viewed as more of a risk than a resource. Yet, motherhood taught me the art of multitasking and time management like never before. I was determined to succeed, even if it felt impossible at times.

Let’s be honest: no one can do it all, all the time. Even those who feel invincible can suffer from burnout. Employers, take note — pushing your employees to their limits will only hurt productivity. The antidote is a solid work-life balance.

The Importance of Work-Life Balance

Since March 2019, I’ve had the privilege of working from home. Well, more accurately, I’ve been working from my mom’s hospital room while still managing my job. This arrangement allowed my mind to stay focused on work, rather than worrying about my mother’s condition. I was fortunate to have supportive management that understood my situation.

The concept of work-life balance has often been misunderstood. It doesn’t mean that both areas of life receive equal attention at all times. Realistically, sometimes one aspect will demand more of your focus, while the other may take a backseat temporarily. For instance, during particularly busy weeks, my work might slow down a bit, but that doesn’t mean I’m not getting things done. It just means I’m adapting my schedule to fit my family’s needs.

2021 and the Case for Remote Work

While some jobs necessitate in-person presence, many roles can embrace remote work. Research over the past year has shown that telecommuting can be highly effective. Personally, eliminating a daily commute has significantly boosted my productivity. As a mother, this flexibility allows me to manage household tasks more efficiently, from meal prep to attending school events when they resume.

This shift means I don’t resent my workplace for unnecessary office time. Instead, I can allocate my focus where it counts, ultimately benefiting both my employer and my family.

In conclusion, moms make exceptional employees, whether they work from home or outside. All we ask for is a bit of understanding from employers. It’s a win-win: businesses gain dedicated workers while mothers enjoy more family time and less stress.

For more insights on family and fertility, check out one of our other blog posts here. If you’re exploring options related to home insemination, you might want to see what Make a Mom has to offer. Another excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination can be found at Parents.

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In summary, moms deserve more support in the workplace, and allowing for remote work can lead to increased satisfaction and productivity. When employers recognize the value of working mothers, everyone benefits.