Are you interested in flexible jobs for mums? There has been a huge rise in the availability of flexible jobs in recent years with more and more people working in flexible ways than ever before.
In this blog, we will discuss the different types of flexible working options available with a particular focus on the benefits of flexible jobs for mums. We’ll also touch on issues of pregnancy, maternity, and gender equity.
How Do Flexible Jobs Work?
First things first, let’s clarify exactly what we mean by flexible jobs for mums. There are a few different options for how jobs may be flexible in nature. The main ones include:
Flexi-time contracts
In which employees can accrue and spend time how they wish. Contracted working hours may be between 7 am – 9 am and 4 pm – 6 pm. Employees can work 8 hours between those times or they may choose to work for the entire window. Doing this will allow them to build up extra time to use as time off at a later date. They can also take longer lunches and time off for appointments if they have previously built up time to compensate for this.
Hybrid roles
In hybrid working contracts, flexibility surrounds whether an employee works at home or in the office. Heretofore, jobs were performed either at home or in the office. Hybrid roles allow the employees to choose and manage when they work at home and in the office, splitting their time in a previously agreed way.
Compressed hours
Some workplaces may allow employees to work their contracts over fewer days. For example, rather than working 37.5 hours over 5 days and working 9-5 with a break each day, some people may work 37.5 hours over 4 days and work 9.4 hours a day instead.
Job sharing
Job-sharing roles are comprised of one standard full-time contract and two people completing those hours. This may involve one person working until lunchtime and the other taking over afterwards. Or it may look like one person working Monday-Wednesday and the other Thursday and Friday. Rather than two people having separate part-time jobs at work, it is two people sharing the responsibilities and workload of one role.
Part-time
Finally, many people work in part-time roles in order to gain the work flexibility they need. However, this is the option with the highest level of financial compromise. Part-time work means part-time pay, whereas the options above may not mean that the person has to comprise full-time pay (aside from job sharing).
What Flexible Jobs for Mums Have to Offer
Mums have a tremendous responsibility on their shoulders. Not only are they responsible for themselves, their house, their job, and so on, but they are also typically responsible for childcare within the stereotypical family structure. Many women are expected to work and look after their child or children on a full-time basis, meaning stress and overwhelm for many.
In our current financial climate, it is challenging, if not impossible, for only one person per household to bring in a full-time salary. The cost of living crisis is affecting us all, meaning there is more pressure than ever to have two breadwinners per household. Many parents feel rushed back to work before they feel ready and they can struggle to maintain a work-life balance going forward.
With all of this in mind, it is clear to see the potential benefits of flexible jobs for mums. A classic 9-5, in the office every day, commuting, demanding job schedule can be incredibly difficult to manage when you have children and you are in charge of childcare. It makes things logistically more difficult, it can be upsetting for both the mother and the children, and it can be very expensive due to rising childcare costs.
Working flexibly, in whatever way that way be, gives mums the option to balance their life in a way that is much more manageable and livable for them. Different types of flexibility may suit different mums, especially due to the differing ages and requirements of the children involved. But simply having the ability to choose and tailor what works for you as a mum can make a gigantic difference in the stress levels involved with life.
So, long may flexibility at work continue. That’s all we can say!
How We Can Help Mums Looking for Jobs at Aspiring to Include
Here at Aspiring to Include, we believe in mums. And we believe in helping mums to find the jobs that they want and deserve.
If you are a mum looking for job opportunities, we have a range of helpful options for you. First up, you can check out our website section regarding pregnancy and maternity, to read up about your rights at work and other important issues around the subject.
Secondly, you can take a peek at our inclusive job board, on which you can find tonnes of live job opportunities that are inclusive to a diverse pool of job seekers.
We believe that everyone should be able to find a job that suits them and their current life situation. If you are a mum that is struggling to make things work and you want to find a flexible job opportunity of your own, be sure to check out our job board and find the right fit for you.
And if you need anything else, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
