Return to Work

Post-pandemic, the working world looks a lot different for everyone. More so for working moms. This is both a welcoming and challenging time for them.

What makes the Return to work challenging?

• The Childcare Challenge: Childcare responsibilities will now have to shift between partners as moms return to work. Finding a nanny or other childcare options is difficult these days and expensive. Budgeting for childcare is now real. Several women are even considering leaving the workforce because of the challenges of childcare.
• The Time Challenge: Between sorting out household chores and homework, getting to the office on time and spending quality time with the child, most working mothers find themselves stretched in all directions.
• The Office Challenge: At work, there is often little support for breastfeeding, work schedules are rigid and discrimination is rampant.
• The Mental Health Challenge: According to a recent study by McKinsey (https://womenintheworkplace.com/), more women than men report exhaustion, burnout and pressure.
• The Bias Challenge: Working mothers invariably face the “maternal bias” or the belief that they cannot be effective at work and home.

The pandemic has hurt working mothers in several ways, but they can surely find their way back with a little support at home and in the workplace.