| Working Mums Under Pressure to Achieve Work-Life Balance |
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| Written by Sally | |
| Saturday, 05 January 2008 | |
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A new survey published today highlights that 78% of working mums are feeling the strain of trying to balance their work and home lives in the run up to Christmas. The independent research, commissioned by Citrix Online, a division of Citrix Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: CTXS), in conjunction with Mother@Work, also reveals that 79% of working mums believe flexible working options would help them successfully juggle family and career over the festive period. Over half (55%) of respondents have had to use up annual leave to look after their children over the school holidays. When asked what would make the biggest difference to helping them maintain their work-life balance, 40% of working mums stated the ability to work from home, with a further 39% wanting more flexible working hours. Cheaper or more readily available childcare was sought by 14%, with 7% stating a more understanding employer would be of most help. On an encouraging note, the survey suggests that employers are being sympathetic to the needs of working mums, with three out of four requests to work part time and work more flexible hours being granted. In addition, almost half of employers (48%) have accommodated requests from working mums to work from home. Denise Tyler, editor of Mother@Work, a monthly webzine dedicated to working mothers, said: “Flexible working options can go a long way to helping mums cope with the stress of balancing work and home life. Parents with children under six have a legal right to request flexible work and it is extremely encouraging to see that so many requests for part time, flexi hours and home working are being accommodated by employers.” “Achieving a balance between work and home life is becoming increasingly important for parents. By accommodating their requests for flexible working, employers can reap the benefits of a happy, motivated workforce, which will in turn positively effect productivity and loyalty,” said Bernardo de Albergaria, Vice President, Citrix Online. “Many of our customers are already offering Citrix® GoToMyPC® to their employees, to enable them to remotely access their PC from any location and keep in touch with the office over the Christmas period,” he added. |
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