There are 2 billion women in the world. Some of them take on not only the role of being a mother but also that of a paid employee. According to 2017 OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) data, Denmark has the highest rate of working mothers among developed countries. More than 80% of Danish mothers are employed. Following Denmark in terms of maternal employment are Sweden, Slovenia, the Netherlands, and Austria.
Even in developed countries, when it comes to working mothers, it is often discussed that mothers do more “unpaid overtime” in terms of childcare. Ariane Hegewisch, a writer for the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR), says, “The father’s role is still seen as bringing home the bacon and earning money. The mother’s role is to work for pay while also being responsible for primary caregiving.”
According to the 2018 “Work and Family Life Balance” survey conducted by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), 42.9% of people aged 18-64 have caregiving responsibilities. TÜİK data also reveals that mothers in managerial positions face greater difficulties in taking leave. According to the World Economic Forum Global Gender Gap 2017 report, Turkey ranks 131st in gender inequality.
Company Approaches to Working Mothers
In our country, even companies that claim to support gender equality often make women feel their employment is at risk during maternity leave. Upon returning to work, they are often reassigned to different departments and positions. This adds stress to the already demanding period of new motherhood. The biological and psychological factors that come with bringing a human into the world are ignored with attitudes like “everyone gives birth, it’s no big deal.” Even during pregnancy or the early postpartum days, the same level of job performance is expected. Companies rarely provide psychosocial support to help employees reintegrate after maternity leave. Mothers returning to work are left to figure things out on their own, while also feeling lost in an unfamiliar work environment. The fact that the father is not granted sufficient paternity leave, leaving all caregiving responsibilities to the mother, is one of the biggest indicators of gender inequality. Due to these disparities, many women are forced to withdraw from the workforce after becoming mothers. Though there are compassionate companies with better practices, they are unfortunately very few.
Workplaces should recognize that while motherhood may be one of the most beautiful experiences in a woman’s life, it is also one of the most challenging. During this time, employers should not hesitate to seek psychosocial support from workplace psychologists to help mothers return to work and plan their job roles. It should not be forgotten that this is about a woman’s health and the foundation of a child’s future.
How Working Mothers Can Achieve Work-Life Balance on Their Own
Here are some tips from Alyson Preston, a writer for the career site Monster. Even applying a few of these suggestions can improve quality of life:
Teach cleanliness
Start by showing children and spouses tasks such as picking up toys, hanging clothes, or making the bed.
Divide responsibilities
Assign children tasks like putting dirty laundry in the hamper and ask spouses to take out the trash—this can help reduce the burden on working mothers.
Plan the day ahead
Finishing some tasks the night before can make the day go more smoothly. Preparing children’s lunchboxes and setting out clothes the night before can make mornings more efficient. A checklist with tasks like “brush your teeth” and “make your bed” can help children take more responsibility in the morning.
Create quiet time
Once all family members are home, taking a few minutes alone can help working mothers relax, gather their thoughts, and prepare dinner or engage in conversation.
Plan your work schedule
If working outside the home frequently, consider negotiating with your employer to leave early on certain days. Coordinating with your partner on who will stay late on which days, when family dinners will occur, and which parent will spend the evening with the children will contribute to a healthier work-life balance.
Plan meals in advance
Planning meals in advance can reduce grocery shopping to once a week. Learning to prepare simple meals and storing extras in the freezer can save a lot of time.
Create quality family time
Watching a movie together once a week or planning a weekend outing can ease the tension of work life and foster mutual understanding, patience, and collaboration among family members.
Make time for yourself
Mothers often place themselves last, which can reduce their resilience and well-being—sometimes even interfering with their ability to be a good parent. That’s why it’s important to take care of themselves. Visiting a museum, having coffee with a friend, or dedicating time to a hobby can help them recharge.
Plan couple time
If possible, arrange for a babysitter from time to time and spend some time alone with your partner. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy—even going to a bookstore together can serve as a reminder of what it feels like to be adults together.
https://www.catalyst.org/research/women-in-the-workforce-global/
https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/working-mother-tips
https://www.dogrulukpayi.com/bulten/2018-de-kadin-istatistikleri
