I have a 3-year-old niece and often see my sister-in-law and loads of friends with little kids struggling with the imbalance of work and home life.
The 9-5 workday is a relic of a bygone era when life was predictable, schools ended at 3:30 p.m., and someone else handled dinner prep. Today, we’ve got kids needing to be dropped off at school, picked up from dance practice, fed something that at least resembles vegetables, and kept entertained so they don’t set the house on fire.
And who’s doing this juggling act? Moms, for the most part. Yet, the traditional 9-5 grind doesn’t make space for their unique schedules, and in turn, we are losing out on a vast pool of talent, creativity, and intelligence.
So, what’s a manager to do? And what are the challenges moms face in this outdated setup?
Here are a few thoughts — and some solutions with a dash of humour (because when you’re a parent, humour is often your only lifeline).
The double shift dilemma
Being a mom is a full-time job in itself. Between diaper changes, creche drops, school runs, and chasing toddlers who’ve turned their “No” button to full volume, it’s like being the CEO of a very small, chaotic company. The 9-5 workday doesn’t account for the fact that moms are often working two jobs: the one at the office and the one at home.
Reality Check: For many moms, it’s not just about leaving work at 5 p.m. and strolling home. It’s about picking up kids, cooking dinner, managing homework, bath time, bedtime, and finally collapsing into bed, only to wake up and do it all over again. Fitting into a rigid schedule? Not so easy.
The “unpaid” time off
What about school holidays? In the corporate world, you get your standard vacation days, but schools? They seem to have an infinite number of breaks, half-days, and mysterious “professional development” days (who knew kids needed so much development?). Trying to manage time off during these periods becomes a headache, and there’s rarely any sympathy from companies that expect you to be at your desk regardless.
Reality Check: For working moms, the school schedule feels like an escape room puzzle. The only way to win is to find the perfect nanny, a time machine, or a flexible job — whichever comes first.
The guilt sandwich
Moms are no strangers to guilt. When you’re at work, you feel guilty for not being with your kids. When you’re with your kids, you feel guilty for not giving 100% at work. It’s like a never-ending sandwich of guilt, with no chance to digest. The rigidity of the 9-5 culture often exacerbates this guilt, as many moms feel like they are falling short on both fronts.
Reality Check: Moms are often expected to be superheroes, but the truth is, the expectations placed on them are superhuman. They need workplaces that understand this juggling act, not ones that pile on more weight.
Tips for managers: How to support moms (and keep talent)
Flexibility is your best friend
Let’s be honest: the pandemic taught us that most jobs don’t need to be done between 9 and 5, or even from the office. If you’re still holding onto that traditional schedule, it’s time to let go. Flexibility isn’t just a perk anymore — it’s a necessity, especially for parents.
Action tip: Offer flexible work hours or remote work options. Can someone work from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.? Great. Can they finish up tasks after the kids go to bed? Even better. If the work is getting done, does it matter when?
Reinvent the idea of “full-time”
Who says full-time work needs to mean 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday? If you have a talented mom who can only work 30 hours, don’t lose her over rigid rules. Trust that a mom with limited time can often get more done in 30 hours than others can in 50. Moms are the queens of efficiency — there’s no time for distractions when you’ve got to leave at 3 p.m. to pick up the kids.
Action tip: Consider part-time roles or job shares. You’ll retain talented employees who might otherwise leave the workforce.
Empathy over everything
One of the easiest and most overlooked ways to help moms? Be human. Ask questions, show you understand, and above all, listen. If a working mom comes to you with a scheduling conflict, don’t just think in terms of “business first.” Remember, you’re managing people, not robots.
Action tip: Create a family-friendly culture and mean it. This could mean hosting “bring your kids to work” days or simply not giving the side-eye when someone has to leave for a kid’s doctor appointment. Showing empathy isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strong leadership.
Results > hours logged
Here’s a hot take: productivity isn’t about sitting at a desk for eight hours. It’s about getting results. If your team members — moms included — are hitting their goals and delivering results, why worry about whether they’re working from the office or the local playground?
Action tip: Shift your focus from hours worked to results achieved. It’s a win-win — you keep your employees happy, and your business thrives because you’re focused on output, not face time.
How to make it a win-win for moms and managers
The 9-5 grind simply doesn’t work for everyone, especially moms trying to juggle work and family. But that doesn’t mean we need to lose out on the incredible talent they bring to the table. With flexibility, empathy, and a focus on results, managers can create an environment where moms can thrive — and trust me, when moms thrive, companies do, too.
Bear in mind, that the key isn’t to expect people to fit into a rigid mould. It’s about creating a workplace that fits around people’s lives. And if you can do that, well, you’ll keep your best talent — and maybe even get a homemade macaroni necklace from a grateful employee’s kid as a bonus.
Now that’s a win-win!