Workplace Changes - Workplace Changes

The Growing Trend Of Working Mums

In the past 10 years there has been a major shift in gender roles, with women taking on more responsibility in the workplace and participating more actively in household chores. Although the traditional gender roles of motherhood and wifehood remain a significant part of daily life for many families, increasing numbers of women are choosing to combine work and family in a satisfying and comfortable way. This is especially true for younger generations as women's prospects have improved, with higher education becoming more accessible and rewarding, and the desire for a professional career increasing.

Why Do Mums Work?

A 2012 survey found that 86% of respondents worked remotely at least occasionally, and 61% worked when the children were in school. In most cases, mothers are the ones mainly responsible for the domestic duties, including child care and household chores, and they continue to shoulder the majority of the work even when the father is at home. The benefits of combining work and family go beyond financial stability and include better work-life balance, more free time, and a greater sense of satisfaction. In a 2013 report, FutureWorker.com identified these as the key motivating factors for working mothers:

More Free Time

Since the start of this year, the childcare landscape in New Zealand has changed with the passing of the Children's Rights Amendment Act 2014. This act introduced a number of new measures intended to improve the quality of early ece jobs tauranga education for children aged 0-6 years old, particularly in regards to their health and safety. One of the most significant changes is that children's daily attendance at preschool or daycare has become a mandatory requirement, with substantial penalties for non-compliance. With less flexibility in the workplace and fewer possibilities for remote working, parents are experiencing more stress in keeping their children's schedules, and longer working hours and more intense responsibility in the home are beginning to show in household bills.

Reduced Stress Inherent In Working Mums

Stress, both at work and at home, is a leading cause of illness and family break-down. Although many benefits arise from combining work and family, the stress involved in juggling responsibilities can be physically and mentally draining, particularly in the early years when children are growing and gaining skills and confidence. Remote working and flexible working hours allow many busy parents to balance work and family commitments while reducing the stress that comes with face-to-face interaction. Working remotely has been shown in multiple studies to have some significant benefits for employees' mental health, with reduced stress and anxiety levels and increased job satisfaction. In addition, being able to work remotely can also enable employees to have a greater personal and professional fulfillment, and help retain them in the company.

Better Work-life Balance

Fewer hours in the office does not mean fewer responsibilities. Employees are expected to perform multiple roles, including work and family obligations, and many workplaces have changed their policies to accommodate working parents. In a situation where employees agree to work remotely or have flexible work hours, it is possible to ensure that roles are more satisfactorily divided, and that work and family commitments can be more easily managed. This results in better work-life balance and a more satisfied employee, which in turn promotes increased productivity.

Increased Confidence And Skills For Children

The majority of the parents in New Zealand are highly involved in their children's education, with 95% attending parent-teacher conferences and 60% participating in sports activities or arts and crafts with their kids. However, in the past 10 years, there has been a dramatic decrease in the number of families living in poverty, with only 4% of children in New Zealand now living in low-income families. This puts into perspective how much this type of involvement benefits children, particularly in the early years when parents are still feeling their way around the parenting maze. In many cases, children of working parents are significantly more confident and skilled than their peers who do not have a parent working. This is because they have had the opportunity to observe and participate in various activities with their parents. In some cases, this can even result in a child being able to care for another child with cerebral palsy, due to their increased confidence and competence. In a 2012 report, the NZ Herald cited studies that have shown how children who have a close relationship with at least one parent are more likely to thrive, with fewer behavioral and psychological issues than other children. This form of parental involvement has also been shown to have substantial positive effects on a child's education and wellbeing, particularly in the early years. Moreover, in a study by the American Institute of Stress, participating in a parent-child activity, such as cooking, cleaning, or shopping with the parent, was shown to relieve stress for both the child and the parent.

A Better Fit For The Industry

The world of work is changing, and in order to stay competitive, employers need to adapt to the increasing demands of employees and their families. Having said that, many industries are still reluctant to take on parents, particularly in the early years when they are most needed. With remote working and flexible work hours, it is possible for employers to provide the support and accommodation needed so that parents can perform their duties while working. In some cases, this can even mean that child care is paid for by the employer, as a way of accommodating working parents' requests for flexibility. In a situation where employers agree to these terms, it is possible to create a better fit between the needs of the employer and employee, and ensure that both have a greater degree of personal and professional satisfaction. This eventually results in increased productivity and engagement, as well as reduced employee absenteeism and turnover.

Many New Zealanders are taking the initiative and combining work and family in a way that suits them. For those still in the workforce, it is important to remember the sacrifices that were made so that we can enjoy the greater degree of personal and professional fulfillment that comes with working remotely.