Do working mothers get a pass on working late?
In the workplace, it’s often perceived that parents, especially mothers, get preferential treatment when it comes to working late or overtime.
However, a recent survey by Adecco USA Workplace finds that working moms are just as likely as non-parents to work late:
The latest Adecco USA Workplace Insight survey, conducted in recognition of Mother’s Day, found that working moms (71%) are just as likely as non-parents (73%) to work late and respond to e-mails after hours, even though one-third of all workers (32%) would be less inclined to ask a working parent (male or female) to do so. Further, even though they’re willing to burn the midnight oil with the rest of their colleagues, nearly half of moms (49%) think their companies should do more to help them achieve better work/life balance.
I know there’s conflict between parents and non-parents in some workplaces, but fortunately I’ve never experienced it.
I worked for a brief stint in IT, and the culture was clearly different than what I was used to as a nurse. I had my first child during this time and knew I had to get out because my supervisor was a caricature of of the boss who thought people who arrived early and worked later were better employees.
I disagreed with that philosophy before I had kids, and I certainly wasn’t going to change my mind after I had kids, but I never asked for anything special because I was a parent.
I might add that he died of a heart attack at a young age.
There are people who clearly take advantage of their status as a parent to get out of things at work, in my experience, the majority don’t.
Tags: Adecco USA Workplace Insight survey, working-mothersRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Career and Kids
3 opinions for Do working mothers get a pass on working late?
Working Mother
May 10, 2008 at 2:07 pm
I read this blog and I have to respond. As a working mother, only for the last 2 almost 3 years, I have to say it is much tougher for working mothers when it comes to the arrive time. I am fortunate enough to have a position that allows the flexibility, however, I do see the looks and hear a few comments from co-workers inregards to my arrive time, which can range from 8am-9:45am. I am not trying to take advantage, as I do work until 6pm or later to make my 8 hours for the day…even working through my lunch.
I don’t believe most working mothers are looking for special treatment…just a little understanding, that some mornings are easier than others.
lcreekmo
May 12, 2008 at 7:18 am
I am supremely lucky to work in a place where no one is standing at the door, watch in hand, in the morning or the afternoon. Truly, it’s a version of golden handcuffs….no mom could leave a job like this.
Before I was a single mom, I was frequently one of the last ones out the door. [I’ve never been one of the first ones in the morning, but that’s a personal issue. :) ]
Now, my son’s daycare closes at 5:30, and there’s just me to pick him up. So I’m out the door every day at 5 like clockwork.
I find that I’m much more efficient in my work now….lots less time commenting on blogs for instance :). It’s difficult to measure efficiency and productivity since no one can count the widgets I’m making each day, but I know I’m working smarter than I ever did before.
Tracee Sioux
May 14, 2008 at 8:07 am
My female nonparent friends are the biggest complainers about this. I don’t think it’s justified. As one poster above said - the daycare closes at some point. Unless you want parents to bring their kids - there will have to be late work from HOME.
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: