How Businesses Support Working Moms with Employee Benefits
Working moms face unique challenges balancing their professional and personal lives. Employers can play a crucial role in supporting and retaining these valuable employees who, by their very nature, possess enormous amounts of grit, determination, and time-management skills.
Businesses are increasingly recognizing the value of supporting these women through a variety of employee benefitsthat help them maneuver through their hectic day-to-day schedules of successfully juggling children and work.
Currently, there are 74.6 million women in the workforce, and close to half of all U.S. workers are women.
The U.S. Census Bureau states a third of all working women are mothers. Of the over 23 million working mothers, more than 65% of them work full time jobs in addition to their role as a parent.
This means going to work, even if you have a baby is now the norm. In fact, moms are the sole or primary earners for 40% of households with children under 18, compared with a measly 11% in 1960.
The labor force participation rate has doubled compared to what it was in the ’50s.
What Is the Importance of Working Moms?
Working moms are a vital part of the workforce and contribute significantly to the economy. They bring diversity and fresh perspectives to the workplace.
Often, they excel in multi-tasking and time management, making them valuable assets to any organization.
Their hard work and dedication inspire others to strive for excellence. Beyond their professional contributions, this working woman plays a vital role in their family.
They serve as positive role models for their children, showing them the importance of hard work and dedication.
Research done at Harvard business school showed, “adult daughters whose moms worked outside the home are more likely to work themselves, hold more supervisory responsibilities, and earn higher wagesthan women whose mothers stayed home full time.”
These women teach their children valuable life skills and instill in them a strong work ethic. They provide financial stability and security for their families, ensuring a better quality of life for their loved ones.
It is essential to recognize and appreciate the sacrifices and challenges that a working mom faces. They often juggle multiple responsibilities, trying to balance work and family life.
They may experience feelings of guilt or stress as a parent as they strive to meet the demands of both worlds.
They deserve support, understanding, and recognition for their efforts.
Benefits of Supporting and Retaining Working Moms
A working mom is someone actively participating in the workforce, contributing their skills and expertise. This not only benefits the economy but also clearly showcases the multitasking abilities of these women.
A working mom essentially has two jobs. Her job with the company, and a second full-time job she never clocks out of. Having a son or daughter means there is no such thing as time off.
Being able to juggle childcare duties and the responsibilities of a job demonstrates an insurmountable strength of character and this is an asset to any business.
Jobs who support working parents can benefit in many ways.
- Employee Loyalty: By offering support to working mothers, employers can increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover rates.
- Diverse Perspectives: Working moms bring valuable perspectives and experiences to the workplace, leading to innovation and creativity.
- Positive Company Image: Companies that support and retain working moms are viewed more favorably by customers, investors, and employees alike.
- Talent Retention: Supporting and keeping moms at work can help with talent retention. It demonstrates a commitment to supporting employees through all stages of life. This can help attract top talent to your organization.
The role of working mothers has evolved significantly. They are no longer just seen as homemakers but also as career-driven individuals who must provide for their kids and need to work due to the rising cost of living.
Many of them are as career focused as ever, with added incentive of caring for their children driving them to succeed.
Here are a few things businesses can do to help them along their path. Support these employees beyond the professional lens.
Supporting the advancement of women with children can lead to increased job satisfaction. These mothers can focus on their careers without feeling guilty about leaving their kids.
This can result in higher productivity and efficiency.
Businesses can offer flexible work arrangements such as telecommuting and flexible hours to accommodate the needs of a working mom.
This allows mothers to balance work and the needs of their kids which can be a bit of a juggling act.
Providing support to a working mom promotes a healthy balance between work and family. They can manage their professional and personal responsibilities effectively, leading to reduced stress and burnout.
Providing paid maternity leave ensures a working mom can take time off to care for their newborn child without worrying about financial strain.
This benefit helps reduce stress and anxiety for new mothers. It also promotes employee loyalty and commitment.
Businesses may offer childcare assistance in the form of subsidies or onsite daycare facilities.
This support makes it easier for a working mom to focus on her job knowing their children are well cared for or even close by. It also helps alleviate the financial burden of childcare expenses.
6. Health and Wellness Programs
Many jobs provide health and wellness programs that include resources for maternal health.
These programs may offer prenatal care, lactation support, and parenting classes.
By promoting maternal well-being, businesses help working mothers thrive both in the office and at home.
What Percentage of Moms Are Working Moms?
The percentage of maternal employment varies by country and region of the world. Some countries have higher rates of working moms due to cultural norms and economic factors, while others may have lower rates due to continued traditional gender roles.
Overall, the percentage of maternal employment is on the rise globally. This shift in societal norms reflects the changing dynamics of family life and women’s roles in the workplace around the world.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the labor force participation rate for women 25 to 54 was 77.6 percent in May 2023 and 70% of mothers with children under the age of 18 work.
What Is Depleted Mother Syndrome?
Depleted Mother Syndrome, otherwise known as Mom Burnout, is an overwhelming feeling of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion along with a depleted sense of fulfillment as a result of the demands childcare place on mothers.
Psychiatrists also note these women have a feeling of depersonalization, which is “a state in which one’s thoughts and feelings seem unreal or not to belong to oneself.”
This burnout exists because of the increased stress of motherhood and the lack of assistance to manage it.
Lifestyle Benefits for Working Mothers
Innovative businesses are taking the lead by restructuring their internal systems to support the working mom demographic. Organizations can help these working mothers do both jobs at peak performance.
Edenred’s Lifestyle Spending Accounts encourage employees to use their benefit funds on the activities and options that matter most to them.
Work-Life Balance: Lifestyle benefits can help a working mom better manage their time and prioritize their job responsibilities.
- Flexible working hours
- Telecommuting options
Financial Well-being: Employees can use Lifestyle Benefits to save money on everyday expenses, allowing them to better provide for their families.
- Discounts on groceries and household items
- Savings on childcare services
Health and Wellness: Promoting employee well-being can lead to increased productivity and satisfaction in the workplace.
- Gym memberships and fitness classes
- Counseling services for mental health support
Lifestyle Benefits have evolved and continue to flux and change in importance, but here is a roundup of what takes top priority this year.
How Can Edenred Help
Working moms are invaluable members of society. Their contributions, both in the workplace and at home, are essential for the well-being of their families and communities.
It is essential to acknowledge, celebrate, and support these women in their endeavors.
By offering benefits that help working moms achieve a more convivial work-life balance, employers can express how they value these women and benefit greatly from the strength this type of individual contains.
We’ll show you how to incorporate new initiatives making them feel valued. Schedule a meeting with Edenred today!
