Nearly 6 in 10 working moms in SEA struggle with work-life balance
Nearly three in four working mothers in Southeast Asia said they would like to have flexible or remote work options as many of them struggle with balancing work and life responsibilities, according to a new report.
Milieu Insight's latest survey among 3,000 working moms in SEA found that 73% want flexible working hours or remote work options in the workplace.
This benefit is in demand the most in Singapore, where employers will be mandated starting December to consider formal request for remote work.
According to the survey, 68% of working moms strongly or somewhat agreed that remote work and flexible arrangements will improve their chances of achieving work-life balance and career advancement.
Meanwhile, other benefits working moms want implemented at work to support them include:
- Career development programmes tailored for working moms (37%)
- Extended leave policies (35%)
- On-site childcare facilities
- Parental support groups or networks (22%)
Struggling work-life balance
These requests come as 59% of working moms in SEA said they find it hard to give time for both work and family commitments, according to the report.
This challenge is strongly felt by working moms in the Philippines (66%), followed by those in Singapore (64%), and Vietnam (59%).
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Other struggles that working moms reported include taking care of themselves (31%) and feeling guilty when they prioritise their work responsibilities (29%)
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Milieu Insight's survey came out ahead of Mother's Day on Sunday, and included respondents from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Thailand.
Juda Kanaprach, Co-Founder and CCO, Milieu Insight, said their findings highlighted the pressing challenges faced by working moms in SEA.
"However, amidst these obstacles, it's heartening to know that working mothers in Asia employ strategies to navigate the complexities of their personal and professional lives," Kanaprach said in a statement.
"As we celebrate the pivotal roles of mothers in our society this Mother's Day, let us acknowledge and address their strength and sacrifices."