"The Silent Struggle: A Working Mother's Inner Turmoil and the Workplace's Role in Empowerment"

"Behind every working mother's smile is a story that she's not sharing." – Unknown

In the bustling world of modern workplaces, the image of a working mother often evokes a sense of admirable balance, effortlessly juggling career and family life. However, behind this facade of composure lies a complex world of emotions that many working mothers keep hidden from the outside world.

On the surface, these women appear to have it all together, seamlessly managing deadlines at work while nurturing their families at home. But beneath this exterior, there is often a whirlwind of mixed emotions - guilt for not spending enough time with their children, anxiety about missing important moments, and a constant battle to prove themselves both at home and in the workplace.

"She's a working mother, juggling a thousand balls, and you'd never know that sometimes she drops them."

One of the most profound struggles faced by working mothers is the feeling of inadequacy - the fear that they are not doing enough, both at work and at home. This feeling is often exacerbated by societal expectations and the subtle, yet pervasive, stigma surrounding working mothers. Many women feel pressure to excel in both roles, often at the expense of their own well-being.

The Innovitive benefits in prioritising the working mother's wellness yet incresing the productivity by organizations :

1.??Family Care Benefits: Beyond traditional childcare support, companies are offering family care benefits that help working mothers manage the care of elderly parents or other dependents. This can include access to caregiver support services, flexible work arrangements for caregiving, and backup care options.

2.??Mental Health Support: Recognizing the importance of mental health, employers are expanding mental health benefits to include counseling, therapy, and stress management programs specifically tailored for working mothers. This can help them cope with the demands of work and family responsibilities.

3.? Expanded Parental Leave Policies: While parental leave is not a new benefit, many companies are expanding their parental leave policies to offer more generous and inclusive options. This can include extended leave for both mothers and fathers, as well as flexibility in how leave is taken (e.g., in blocks or intermittently).

4.? On-Site Childcare Facilities: Some employers provide on-site childcare facilities or subsidies for childcare costs, making it easier for working mothers to balance work and childcare responsibilities. For example, Patagonia offers on-site childcare for employees at its headquarters.

5. Breastfeeding and Pumping Space for new mothers: Breastfeeding spaces at workplace has remained at topic that is under discussion. In india, its still a taboo despite growing narrative around inclusion. The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act of 2017 mandates that every establishment with 50 or more employees should provide a crèche facility within a prescribed distance. This indirectly facilitates breastfeeding mothers to ensure their infants receive adequate nourishment. The act also permits women to visit the crèche four times daily, which includes her interval for rest.

But Western countries, like the US under the Fair Labor Standards Act, require employers to provide reasonable break time and a private non-bathroom space for nursing mothers to express breast milk for a year after the child’s birth.

6.? Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): EAPs offer counseling, support, and resources to help employees manage personal and work-related challenges. These programs can be particularly helpful for working mothers facing stress or emotional difficulties.

Despite these challenges, there is a glimmer of hope for working mothers - the support and understanding of their workplace. Organizations that recognize and address the unique needs of working mothers can make a world of difference in their lives.