“This struggle is real. The juggle is real. That’s why everyone should hire working mothers. They are put in crazy situations all the time and are forced to problem-solve. They are some of my most resourceful employees.” – Sara Blakely
It’s safe to say that mothers are incredibly underrated. They’re not only the foundation of every family but are also crucial parts of the workforce. They bring a unique set of skills, experiences, and fresh perspectives that enhance productivity, creativity, and innovation.
However, almost every working mother faces challenges balancing their work and family, which can lead to stress, burnout, and reduced job satisfaction. With that said, it’s essential for organizations to learn how to best support working moms, as well as understand the importance of mothers in the workplace, why they are essential, and the benefits of hiring moms.
Moms bring a valuable set of skills and experiences to the workplace that benefits teams and organizations. They are often highly organized and efficient, notorious for multitasking, and skilled at problem-solving. Mothers also tend to have excellent interpersonal skills, which can be valuable in building and maintaining positive relationships with customers, partners, and colleagues.
In addition to their skills and attributes, working mothers also bring diversity to the workplace. Diversity is not only a must but leads to increased creativity and innovation, as people from different backgrounds and experiences bring different perspectives and ideas to the table. Having more women, including mothers, in leadership positions can also help create a more inclusive and equitable workplace culture.
Providing flexible work arrangements, such as remote work or flexible hours, can help working mothers balance their work and family responsibilities. This can reduce stress and improve job satisfaction, leading to increased productivity and retention rates.
Offering paid parental leave to new parents, working moms, and dads allow them to take some time off to rest, feel better, and care for their newborns without worrying about losing their income or job.
Some organizations provide on-site childcare facilities, or you can partner with childcare providers. This helps working mothers and parents access high-quality childcare conveniently. This can also reduce the stress and some of the financial burden of finding and paying for childcare, which in return can increase retention rates.
Fostering a work culture that is supportive of working mothers can help them feel valued and encouraged. This can include providing resources and support for childcare, breastfeeding, and parenting.
It’s essential to ensure that working mothers have the same opportunities for career advancement and professional development as their male counterparts. Providing mentorship, training, and networking opportunities can help support their career growth.
Working mothers are often known for having excellent time-management skills and multitasking skills, leading to increased productivity, which will undoubtedly play a part in the success of their teams.
Mothers bring diverse experiences and perspectives to the workplace, leading to enhanced creativity and innovation.
Providing support for working mothers, such as flexible work arrangements and paid parental leave, can increase employee retention rates.
Companies that support working mothers are viewed positively by customers, employees, and the public.