More than half of working moms worry about losing job flexibility. Why?

The survey found 68 per cent of working moms said they were worried about losing flexibility at their job this year, with more than half feeling stuck.

Mother’s Day is Sunday and as people come to celebrate them, a new survey says more than half of working Canadian moms say they are worried about what 2024 may bring, specifically in terms of the time they split between work and family.

The survey by business consulting firm Robert Half showed 68 per cent of working mothers were worried about losing flexibility in their jobs this year.

Tara Parry, a director of permanent services with Robert Half Talent Solutions and mother of two, told Global News that having flexibility gives her a sense of trust from her company that she can do what she needs to to “get the job done,” while also being a good mom like going to sports games.

She notes the COVID-19 pandemic helped bring some of the flexibility for working mothers, being able to spend time with their children at home while still getting their work done, but that’s beginning to change as some companies look to bring people back in the office.

“It’s so critical to have that flexibility as a working mother and I think if it was taken away from me right now, I’d have to go find another option,” she said.

The survey found 53 per cent of mothers who responded report feeling “stuck,” and executive leadership coach and founder of Gallant Leader Institute Carrie Gallant said it’s due to a conflict.

“They’re feeling stuck because they’re wanting to stay and keep much of that, the benefits and the gift part of it going forward and (yet are) seeing many employers pressuring employees to come back into the office,” Gallant told Global News.

She said a conversation needs to be had between employers and employees to find out what works for both groups to “be successful here together.”