Mothers can't afford to stay at home: Employers can't afford to miss out

The economic recession is forcing mothers to re-assess their earning options according to a new survey from Workingmums.co.uk. The findings in the research conducted amongst 505 mothers revealed that 79 per cent were looking to go back to work or increase their present working hours due to the credit crunch.

For many, this will mean that they are looking for jobs that will allow them to balance their family and work life. This includes flexible or part-time working, school time jobs and working from home.

However, the research is also encouraging for employers who are feeling the strains of the credit crunch. It represents an opportunity to re-examine their working culture and look at more efficient and effective ways of working such as flexible, part-time working or working from home. Employing skilled workers in these different ways can make their businesses more efficient and productive, cut office overheads, minimise overtime and reduce travel expenses.

From previous research carried out using 600 mothers*, the majority expressed a hunger to return to the workplace, but felt that there is a distinct lack of opportunities to utilise their experiences. Furthermore, these mothers also struggled to find a job that allows them to juggle family and work life effectively. Mothers constitute a huge pool of talent, who are keen to use their skills and offer high levels of professionalism and loyalty.

- 90% felt that it is very difficult to find flexible work, although the vast majority wanted this so they could balance work and family life.

Mandy Garner, spokesperson for WorkingMums.co.uk says, ìThe 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. It also key that employers should look at more efficient ways of working and how this can help them to become more cost-effective whilst remaining productive. Employers should not get caught out by reducing their resources. Working mothers are a fantastic pool of talent that many businesses should be calling upon.î