For moms, it’s vital to consider more than a just job description when applying for jobs. Mothers are always on, whether we are physically present or not. For mothers who return to work after childbirth, the job search is not only important to support a family but to support your new life as a mother. Questions are bound to come up during the job search, including things like:
Will this job work with my child’s school schedule?
Is the pay enough to cover rent and living expenses?
How many days off will I get for the year?
Here is a short list of 5 work benefits to consider when looking for jobs.
Paid Time Off (or PTO)
Paid Time Off is the benefit that keeps on giving throughout the year. It allows for a good work-life balance given that the time off can be used to manage time between work and family responsibilities, reducing stress and promoting overall well-being. This also goes hand in hand with recovery and mental health as well. Paid time off can help mothers recover physically and mentally after childbirth, ensuring they can return to work healthier and more focused.
Aside from giving mom time for herself, paid time off can also be used for childcare needs. Mothers can take time off for childcare needs, such as doctor’s appointments, school events, or emergencies, without the worry of losing income. Additionally, paid time off can be used time with children outside of childcare needs. For example, paid time off provides opportunities for mothers to spend quality time with their children, fostering stronger family relationships.
Lastly, paid time off offers flexibility. Many companies offer flexible PTO and/or unlimited PTO policies. This benefit is specifically useful for allowing moms to use time off in ways that best suit individual needs and family dynamics without the stress of budgeting for lost wages.
Overall, paid time off can significantly enhance the well-being of working mothers, leading to a more supportive work environment and improved family dynamics.
Health Benefits
Health insurance benefits is top of mind for many working mothers, and for good reason. Comprehensive health insurance, including coverage for family members, is essential for maintaining family health. When evaluating health insurance options provided by an employer, consider the following key factors:
- Coverage Options: Look for a variety of plans that cater to different healthcare needs, including individual, family, and specialized coverage. Some companies will cover the employee at no additional cost.
- Coverage for Dependents: Having children and/or other dependents (like a spouse), it’s important to check how well the plan covers their healthcare needs.
- Premium Costs, Deductibles and Out-of-Pocket Maximums: Review the monthly premium you’ll need to pay, as well as how it fits into your budget. Understand the deductible (the amount you pay before insurance kicks in) and the out-of-pocket maximum (the cap on what you’ll pay in a year).
- Network of Providers: Check if your preferred doctors, specialists, and hospitals are in-network, as this affects costs and access to care. Also, check how much it would cost for out-of-network providers, if you prefer a provider that’s not in-network.
- Prescription Drug Coverage: Evaluate the plan’s formulary to see if your medications are covered and at what cost.
- Preventive Services: Ensure the plan covers preventive care services (like vaccinations and screenings) without additional costs, as these can help catch health issues early.
- Additional Benefits: Look for additional services, such as mental health support, wellness programs, or telehealth options.
Taking the time to assess these factors will help you choose a health insurance plan that best meets your needs and those of your family.
Flexible Work Hours and/or Remote Work Options:
These two are a bit different, but offer they same benefits so they are grouped together. Flexible work hours offers flexibility in the start and end times of the work day, while remote work offers the ability to work from home, either full-time or part-time. Flexible work hours and remote work can be dependent on the type of work and/or industry you are in, so some moms may find it difficult to apply for these types of jobs if they are not available. However, it may be negotiable when a job offer is presented so it can’t hurt to ask.
Nonetheless, these type of work hours can help moms accommodate school schedules and childcare needs. Both work options provide valuable flexibility and help moms balance work with family commitments.
Parental Leave Policies
If you have not yet given birth, then looking for companies that offer comprehensive maternity and paternity leave is crucial. Parental leave policies vary by company, so it’s important to determine what type of leave is ideal for you. Benefits of Parental Leave policies include:
- Time to Bond: Allows new parents to spend crucial bonding time with their child, fostering emotional connections.
- Physical Recovery: Provides mothers time to recover from childbirth and adjust to the physical demands of parenting.
- Reduced Stress: Alleviates the stress of balancing work and family responsibilities immediately after a child’s arrival.
- Improved Mental Health: Access to leave can lead to better mental health outcomes, reducing the risk of postpartum depression.
- Support for Families: Enables both parents to participate in early childcare, promoting shared responsibilities and partnership in parenting.
- Job Security: Protects employees from losing their jobs during a critical period, ensuring they can return to their positions.
- Financial Stability: Paid parental leave helps mitigate financial stress during the transition to parenthood.
Childcare Assistance
One of the main reasons, if not THE main reason mothers don’t return to work after having children is due to a lack of child care. Luckily, more companies are empowering working mothers by providing some type of childcare assistance. It can look differently depending on your company and what options they have available. Some employers take it upon themselves and provide on-site childcare, while others provide childcare subsidies. Other companies may have partnerships with local providers, which can ease the burden of finding care.
By considering these benefits, working moms can find positions that align with their needs, their children’s needs, and most importantly support their family life.
