To raise greater awareness about workplace challenges faced by working mums in Southeast Asia, Monster.com has launched its #SheMakesItWork campaign. The survey in Singapore revealed that women professionals returning to the office after maternity leave often struggle to balance their new identity as working mothers with the identity of career women. The top three worries include finding it emotionally difficult to part with their newborn (55%), inadequate childcare support (49%) and uncertainty in how they can tap on flexible work hours (47%).
Juggling both work and family, working mums are expected to do an outstanding job and rise to every occasion – be it at home or in the workplace. Here are three tips on how new mums can better manage their transition into the workforce:
Negotiate for flexible work arrangements
In the pursuit of greater work-life balance, many employers are looking into providing flexible work arrangements not only for working mothers but for all employees. Flexibility has to be tailored to the individual, though, and that can only be achieved if working mothers are open in communicating their needs to their employers. So don’t be afraid to set parameters, like dedicating weeknights exclusively for the family – but be mindful that you’ll have to remain focused during work hours.
Seek help from people around you
Don’t be shy about speaking with fellow working mothers to learn from their experiences and to perhaps implement some of the things they found helpful into your life. At work, set deadlines that account for your schedule, and delegate work if necessary. Just be mindful that the same request might come your way one day, so be open to lending them a helping hand in return.
Monster.com in Singapore interviewed three women at different stages of motherhood, who shared their struggles and gave advice on how to manage a balance. Watch the video below:
Learning to make time
Trying to balance both parental and professional duties can easily take up a majority of your time. While there will be some trade-offs, setting the right priorities is crucial make your life run smoothly. To avoid feeling bogged down, try to make up time by getting help whenever you can, be it shopping for groceries online or cooking your week’s lunches in one go on a weekend. Be sure to also reserve some time just for yourself in order to keep your sanity while juggling dozens of tasks.
