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Hiring and supporting working moms in the workplace is not only the right thing to do, it is also good for business. This Mother’s Day we wanted to acknowledge all working moms who make every company better and the stats are out.

How can hiring managers and HR teams attract, recruit, and support working moms in the workplace? Here are five evidence-backed strategies to consider:

Offer flexible work arrangements

Flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting, part-time work, flexible scheduling, or even 4-day work weeks (see our previous post on this here) can be a game-changer for working moms. These options allow them to balance their work and family responsibilities, reducing stress and increasing productivity. According to a study by the Society for Human Resource Management, 89% of HR professionals reported that offering flexible work arrangements increased employee retention rates.

Provide parental leave

Parental leave policies can make a significant impact on the lives of working moms. Providing paid leave for new parents can help reduce stress and financial burden, leading to increased job satisfaction and loyalty. In fact, a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that women who take maternity leave are more likely to return to work and remain employed long-term.

Create a supportive workplace culture

Creating a supportive workplace culture that values work-life balance can be a key factor in attracting and retaining working moms. Encouraging open communication, providing resources for childcare, and offering mentorship and networking opportunities can help create a sense of community and support. According to a study by Deloitte, employees who feel supported and valued are more likely to be engaged and productive.

Avoid unconscious bias

Unconscious bias can prevent qualified working moms from being hired or promoted. Hiring managers and HR teams should be aware of their own biases and strive to create a fair and inclusive hiring process. One way to do this is to use structured interviews and objective hiring criteria to evaluate candidates. According to a study by McKinsey & Company, companies with diverse leadership teams are more likely to outperform their peers.

Provide resources for childcare or eldercare

Working moms often face the challenge of finding affordable and reliable childcare or eldercare. Providing resources, such as on-site childcare, flexible spending accounts for dependent care, or referrals to trusted providers, can help ease this burden. According to a study by Bright Horizons, 93% of working parents said that employer-supported childcare made them feel more positive about their employer.

A number of companies are creating in-house resources for mother such as Patagonia who provides on-site childcare at its headquarters, as well as at its stores and distribution centers. The company also offers a flexible work schedule, allowing moms to work from home or adjust their hours as needed.

IBM offers a program called "Mom's Mentorship," which pairs new moms with experienced mothers in the company to help them navigate the challenges of balancing work and motherhood. IBM also provides a "Mom's Marketplace," which connects moms with resources for childcare, education, and other family-related services.

In conclusion, hiring and supporting working moms in the workplace is not only good for business, it is also the right thing to do. By offering flexible work arrangements, providing parental leave, creating a supportive workplace culture, avoiding unconscious bias, and providing resources for childcare or eldercare, hiring managers and HR teams can attract and retain top talent and create a more diverse and inclusive workforce. Let's work together to make the workplace a better place for working moms.

At Ari Agency & Ari Executive, we work with digital leaders and disruptors who rely on us to find and attract some of the most competitive talent in the digital space. If you’re interested in the trends impacting workforces or looking to hiring game-changing talent, contact us today to learn more about how we can help.

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