As of January this year, approximately 18.5 million mothers have been skillfully balancing work, family, and various responsibilities. While many of us have adjusted to working from home, it’s evident that we’ve managed to thrive despite the challenges posed by a global pandemic. With the sudden shift to part-time educators for our children, one must wonder — what can’t we achieve?
Although 18.5 million may seem like a significant figure, it’s 3.5 million fewer than during the spring of 2020, according to Census.gov. The reality is that moms are the backbone of our society. So why aren’t employers recognizing our contributions? Moreover, can we please have the option to work from home without resistance?
After the birth of my first child, I returned to my demanding retail position just three weeks into my unpaid FMLA leave. It felt as if I was expected to resume my duties as if nothing had changed. I was sleep-deprived, dealing with a newborn, and coping with postpartum depression, yet there was little understanding from my employer. My manager viewed me as more of a liability than a valuable team member. However, motherhood has honed my multitasking and time management skills like never before. I was determined to find a way to manage it all.
Realistically, it’s impossible to excel in every aspect all the time, even for those who consider themselves superwomen. The result is burnout, which benefits no one. Employers should take note: pushing your employees to their limits will ultimately lead to decreased productivity. A healthy work-life balance can be the remedy to this issue.
The Importance of Work-Life Balance
Since March 2019, I’ve had the opportunity to work from home. Well, not exactly from home — I spent my time in my mother’s hospital room to ensure I remained engaged at work. This arrangement allowed me to focus on my responsibilities without the constant worry of missing important moments while commuting.
The idea of work-life balance has been misinterpreted in recent years. It doesn’t imply that work and personal life will coexist perfectly; rather, it’s about understanding that sometimes one will demand more of your time than the other. For instance, during busy summer weeks, my work pace may slow down, but that doesn’t mean I’m not accomplishing my tasks. After putting my children to bed, I simply switch on my PC to catch up.
The Shift to Remote Work
While some industries require in-person attendance — like healthcare, education, or retail — many jobs can transition to remote work, which has proven to be beneficial. Research over the past year has consistently shown that working from home enhances productivity. Personally, eliminating a 90-minute daily commute has allowed me to focus better on work.
As a mom, I no longer have to stress about dinner preparations while juggling my job. I have the flexibility to attend school events and participate in my children’s lives without resentment towards my job. This arrangement has allowed me to be more productive while also providing me with the time I need for family.
In conclusion, moms are exceptional employees, whether they work at home or in the workplace. All we seek is a bit more understanding and support from employers. It’s a scenario that benefits both parties: companies gain dedicated employees, and mothers can enjoy a better work-life balance without sacrificing their family time.
For more insights on this topic, check out this blog post on home insemination. You can also find valuable information at Mount Sinai’s infertility resources or learn more about the subject at Intracervical Insemination.
Search Queries:
- How to balance work and motherhood
- Benefits of hiring moms
- Work from home opportunities for moms
- Remote work policies for parents
- Supporting working mothers
In summary, the emphasis on hiring more mothers and allowing them to work from home is crucial. This approach not only fosters productivity but also enhances the quality of life for families.