Chances are, you know a super mom at work! Did you know that mothers account for nearly one-third (32%) of all employed women. Top occupations include nurses, teachers, cashiers, customer service representatives, managers, and administrative assistants.
With the majority of mothers (over 70%) participating in the workforce, it is important for employers to understand how to support moms. Not only do they make up a large portion of the employment pool, but working mothers make valuable contributions to their respective workplaces. Among their qualities, mothers tend to display increased skills in empathy, stress tolerance, communication, and time management.
Employers can help retain working mothers by supporting fair pay and promotions, extending flexible work arrangements, providing mentorship, and offering benefits. Companies like Patagonia report a 95% retention of mothers due to their generous family policies which include paid parental leave and on-site childcare. While that may not be achievable for smaller businesses, there are many other ways you can make working moms at your business feel more successful, supported and cared for.
We’ve tapped into the wisdom of our ALTRES moms to bring you their best mom hacks, many of which can make your life easier regardless of if you are a parent or not.
Question: What is the best piece of advice you’ve received as a working mom?
Have realistic expectations and give yourself grace.
“Let go of the need to consistently meet unrealistic expectations and allow yourself to be imperfect. Be kind and forgiving to yourself when things don’t go as planned or when you make mistakes. Recognize that you are doing your best in juggling multiple responsibilities and understand that it’s ok to prioritize self-care and ask for help when needed. Be compassionate towards yourself and embrace the challenges and joys of motherhood while seeking your professional goals without being too hard on yourself.”
– Janet P. / Implementation Specialist
You can’t pour from an empty cup.
“Mamas make sure everyone around them is taken care of first. But once your cup is empty you can no longer pour into others so don’t forget to take care of yourself too. Carve out some time each day to fill up your cup whether that’s going for a walk on your lunch break, meditating in your car for a few minutes once you put it in “park,” or scheduling time to catch up with friends. I appreciate that ALTRES provides employees with resources to take care of ourselves, both mentally and physically, allowing me to make sure my cup is filled. “
– Jaci Y. / Care Manager
Automate your life as much as possible.
“Time is your only non-renewable resource. Rather than waste time on mundane tasks, I automate as much as possible, so I don’t have to think about things I don’t need to. I often order my groceries or other household goods online, and set up recurring subscriptions for items I use on a regular basis such as pet food, cleaning supplies, and personal hygiene items. My weekend time is precious, so I try and run errands on my lunch break. My savings and bill payments are automated. The less you consciously have to think about your day-to-day tasks, the more energy and bandwidth you have to focus on your work and family.“
Jen T. / Creative Director
Remember your why.
“Everything you do is to give your kids a good life so moms should never feel guilty about having a career. We’re showing them by example how to be successful at work and at home!”
Brittni T. / Web Support Assistant Manager
Be present.
“When it is time to work, work. Reduce distractions and get the work done. When it is time to sleep, sleep. Read a book or do some stretches before bedtime to unwind. When it is time to watch your kid’s soccer game or piano recital, don’t check your social media, works emails, or text messages. When it is time to have dinner at the family table, put away phones and turn off the TV. Look each other in the eye when you are talking. Lean into your conversations and show interest. Live in the moment. This will make your family time more meaningful and your work time more productive.”
Seline Williams / Human Resource Specialist
Take time to enjoy the small moments.
“When things get hectic, it’s easy to fret about the daily chores but really take the time to enjoy the routine moments like school drop off/pick up because before you know it, your kids will be all grown up.”
Kara K. / Human Resource Specialist
Find an employer that supports you.
“Finding the balance between the demands of motherhood and your career will be one of your greatest challenges. If you can, find a company and team that will give you the balance to be both a successful business woman and mom.”
Lindsey C. / Marketing and Communications Manager
Sign up for our newsletter
Sign up for our monthly HIVE newsletter and get tips for finding a job, managing a business and advancing your career right in your inbox.
Chances are, you know a super mom at work! Did you know that mothers account for nearly one-third (32%) of all employed women. Top occupations include nurses, teachers, cashiers, customer service representatives, managers, and administrative assistants.
With the majority of mothers (over 70%) participating in the workforce, it is important for employers to understand how to support moms. Not only do they make up a large portion of the employment pool, but working mothers make valuable contributions to their respective workplaces. Among their qualities, mothers tend to display increased skills in empathy, stress tolerance, communication, and time management.
Employers can help retain working mothers by supporting fair pay and promotions, extending flexible work arrangements, providing mentorship, and offering benefits. Companies like Patagonia report a 95% retention of mothers due to their generous family policies which include paid parental leave and on-site childcare. While that may not be achievable for smaller businesses, there are many other ways you can make working moms at your business feel more successful, supported and cared for.
We’ve tapped into the wisdom of our ALTRES moms to bring you their best mom hacks, many of which can make your life easier regardless of if you are a parent or not.
Question: What is the best piece of advice you’ve received as a working mom?
Have realistic expectations and give yourself grace.
“Let go of the need to consistently meet unrealistic expectations and allow yourself to be imperfect. Be kind and forgiving to yourself when things don’t go as planned or when you make mistakes. Recognize that you are doing your best in juggling multiple responsibilities and understand that it’s ok to prioritize self-care and ask for help when needed. Be compassionate towards yourself and embrace the challenges and joys of motherhood while seeking your professional goals without being too hard on yourself.”
– Janet P. / Implementation Specialist
You can’t pour from an empty cup.
“Mamas make sure everyone around them is taken care of first. But once your cup is empty you can no longer pour into others so don’t forget to take care of yourself too. Carve out some time each day to fill up your cup whether that’s going for a walk on your lunch break, meditating in your car for a few minutes once you put it in “park,” or scheduling time to catch up with friends. I appreciate that ALTRES provides employees with resources to take care of ourselves, both mentally and physically, allowing me to make sure my cup is filled. “
– Jaci Y. / Care Manager
Automate your life as much as possible.
“Time is your only non-renewable resource. Rather than waste time on mundane tasks, I automate as much as possible, so I don’t have to think about things I don’t need to. I often order my groceries or other household goods online, and set up recurring subscriptions for items I use on a regular basis such as pet food, cleaning supplies, and personal hygiene items. My weekend time is precious, so I try and run errands on my lunch break. My savings and bill payments are automated. The less you consciously have to think about your day-to-day tasks, the more energy and bandwidth you have to focus on your work and family.“
Jen T. / Creative Director
Remember your why.
“Everything you do is to give your kids a good life so moms should never feel guilty about having a career. We’re showing them by example how to be successful at work and at home!”
Brittni T. / Web Support Assistant Manager
Be present.
“When it is time to work, work. Reduce distractions and get the work done. When it is time to sleep, sleep. Read a book or do some stretches before bedtime to unwind. When it is time to watch your kid’s soccer game or piano recital, don’t check your social media, works emails, or text messages. When it is time to have dinner at the family table, put away phones and turn off the TV. Look each other in the eye when you are talking. Lean into your conversations and show interest. Live in the moment. This will make your family time more meaningful and your work time more productive.”
Seline Williams / Human Resource Specialist
Take time to enjoy the small moments.
“When things get hectic, it’s easy to fret about the daily chores but really take the time to enjoy the routine moments like school drop off/pick up because before you know it, your kids will be all grown up.”
Kara K. / Human Resource Specialist
Find an employer that supports you.
“Finding the balance between the demands of motherhood and your career will be one of your greatest challenges. If you can, find a company and team that will give you the balance to be both a successful business woman and mom.”
Lindsey C. / Marketing and Communications Manager
Sign up for our newsletter
Sign up for our monthly HIVE newsletter and get tips for finding a job, managing a business and advancing your career right in your inbox.