By Joycellyn Akuffo
Just how do you get the work-life balance you need to get the best of both worlds: a happy, thriving family life and a good, successful career? Is it really possible to have it all as a working mum?
I certainly think it?s possible ? that?s why I set up MothersWhoWork.co.uk, to show mums that it is possible, and to let other mothers share their experience of how it can be achieved. There are thousands of working mothers ? mums who work for employers or for themselves ? who can vouch for this, too ? just check out the Inspiration section to read their stories. But the one message all these mothers have to share is unanimous: it?s not easy, but it?s certainly possible with the right support.
Yet it seems that most working mothers still think this is an impossible dream ? well those in the UK, anyway. An Accenture survey of more than 300 working mothers in mid to senior-level management positions, found that 59% of working mothers don?t think women can ?have it all?. Ask the same group of mums in the US, and the results are the complete opposite ? 69% think it is possible to have it all.
So just what is causing this negative outlook among working mothers in the UK? Susie Mullen, head of inclusion and diversity at Accenture suggests that this attitude may come from perceptions about flexible working.
?We know from past research that women believe the biggest career hindrance they face is the need to devote energy to children and the family. Some working mothers may currently feel that their careers will be hampered by opting for flexible working. Alternatively, it may be the case that the flexible work options offered by their companies do not meet their current needs.?
In the UK, 50% of women with children under the age of five are in employment of some sort. So does it mean that these women are just making do with ?a job? that pays the bills, rather than being in a successful and fulfilling career?
A study by the Equal Opportunities Commission found that only 10% of directors of the UK?s FTSE 100 firms are women, while less than 20% of parliament come from the female sex. The figures speak for themselves.
It?s true that not every woman aspires to become a company director, or even wants to go into politics, but these statistics are probably reflective of high-level positions across most sectors.
So where is the problem actually coming from? The government is pushing the flexible working message to employers in all sectors, and it seems to be working (on the surface at least). Most mothers know that they can at least apply for a change in their working hours to accommodate family commitments, so surely these disappointing numbers don?t have anything to do with a lack of knowledge.
?Our survey revealed that only 41% of working mothers feel comfortable about leaving early and around a third (35%) feel comfortable coming in late,? says Susie. ?Many companies are now offering a range of flexible work options, but if they are serious about encouraging working mothers back into the workplace then they must ensure that this is truly reflected in the corporate culture. Only then will working parents be able to take full advantage of flexible working programmes.
?Although leading employers are now offering innovative programmes to help their employees balance work and family commitments, these companies must understand that to meet the needs and realities of today?s workforce, they must offer employees choices across the lifecycle of their careers, providing new solutions at different points in employees? lives.?
Susie herself, a mother, in a senior position at Accenture utilises flexible working. ?I work at least one day per week from home, sometimes more, which minimises commuting time and allows me to see my daughter a bit more ? these are often far more productive days as there are less disruptions than in the office. Accenture?s technology is excellent to support this so it?s as good as working in the office.?
It is surprising that some employers are still struggling to grasp this basic concept. Women with a lot of useful experience feel they have no choice but to leave work all together because of their employer?s inflexibility. And in the end, the loss is on both sides ? the employer?s and the employee?s.
It?s unsurprising that so many of these women decide to set up their own business ? where they can utilise these skills to their own advantage. A survey by Yell.com found that 92% of business-owning mums believe having children improves their work skills.
The natural act of raising a child is inspiring thousands of women to set up their own businesses, and is also equipping them with the skills they need to succeed ? again testament to what mothers tell us here on www.MothersWhoWork.co.uk.
The study found that 40% of mumpreneurs get the idea to start their own business while pregnant, or within a year of their baby being born. In addition, 92% attribute their success to a range of skills developed after becoming a mother. These include multitasking, planning ahead, a can-do attitude and efficiency.
Morag Jean Morrish, a franchisee of Yogabugs left her job for more flexibility. ?I returned to work on a part-time basis for the local council as a project manager when Marlon was 18 months old. And although I enjoyed working there I wanted something more flexible to fit around school hours in preparation for Mary starting school in September.? She now teaches children yoga and has career fulfilment, as well as the work-life balance that she needs for her family.
So, it is actually possible for mums to have their cake and eat it. It?s just a question of either finding the right employer, or setting up your own business and being in control of that work-life balance.
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