Mums want to work but need flexibility

Four in five mothers are considering returning to work or increasing their current working hours as they re-examine their earning options in the recession, says research by WorkingMums, a jobsite for professional mums.

The website’s poll of 505 mothers found that 79% are job hunting or looking to increase their hours and that this means they will need jobs that provide flexible or part-time working, or enable them to work from home and so allow them to balance work and family life.

WorkingMums points out that the study is “encouraging for employers who are feeling the strains of the credit crunch”. It says the research shows that employers have an opportunity to reassess their working culture by looking into flexible working alternatives which could “make their business more efficient and productive, cut office overheads, minimise overtime and reduce travel expenses”.

The organisation emphasises that employers “should not get caught out by reducing their resources” because of the recession. WorkingMums spokesperson Mandy Garner said: “The present economic situation is not all doom and gloom and actually presents some good opportunities for mothers to assess their working options and look at what is available to help them meet their needs.”

The study confirms findings from a survey last year by WorkingMums that the majority of mothers wanted to return to work, but they found it difficult finding jobs which allowed them to manage work and family life effectively.