Women's willingness to work while on parental leave has increased rapidly in recent years. There are several reasons for this.
"The benefits are in the greater psychological well-being of the parent. You don't just stay in the child's world. But you can function in the adult world. As the participants in our training and development activities say: you get food for the brain. You keep your perspective on the field, learn new things and reduce the gap in your CV that penalises you in the job market. You also keep up with the job market. You gain new contacts and thus opportunities," says Andrea Bohačíková, CEO and founder of Marter, an organisation that focuses on the issue of employing parents on parental leave.
"Another advantage is the increase in household income. Although this point is quite debatable given the situation regarding the care and provision of pre-school children. A lot also depends on whether the woman works because she wants to or because she has to. In other words, whether work gives her more energy or takes it away," he adds.
If a woman manages to find a suitable job where they are open to employing parents on parental leave, she has half a win. Although work-life balance is proclaimed around every corner, not all employers are willing to create jobs tailored to this target group. Part-time work-from-home jobs are still science fiction. Yet flexibility and home office are the two main pillars that help working mothers to work-life balance.
However, the issue of work-life balance is the same for flexible work from home as it is for work that requires the mother to go to the office for a few hours a week. But how to do it?
"Always choose only 3 urgent things to attend to. Work on them and then add more," advises Andrea Bohačíková.
Flexibility and home office are the main pillars for work-life balance.
He further adds:
"Have time for yourself, not just for your children, your home, your work and your partner.
Find at least 30 minutes for yourself every day, so that you have the strength for everything else. But really for yourself, not for cleaning, cooking, etc.
Admit to yourself that you can't do everything, and don't be afraid to ask for help. Whether it's a partner, grandmothers, aunties or a babysitter or cleaning lady. Think about which activities you can delegate. Do what you need to do to balance career and family. Do you really have to have a hot dinner 7 days a week and do you really have to cook it? There is always a quid pro quo in life. In short, you can't have 100% of everything. But you can still have 100% of what you need. What will your 100% be?
Strictly divide family time and work time.
When you work, give it your best. While when you're with your family, give it your best too. That means when you're not working, don't check work, don't check emails, leave your cell phone. Be with your little partner and give him the quality time he deserves.
Turn housework and cooking into a game and fun. Involve the smallest members of the household. Combine the useful with the enjoyable. So clean with your children in your time together. That way you get real time to yourself and don't experience the model situation: the baby is asleep, so I'm going to do the washing. For example, you can have that much-needed hot coffee!
Create your own rituals, both with the kids and at work. Get into the mode you're currently experiencing faster.
Create a reliable network of people who can help you with your care. It doesn't have to be family. With such a network, everything will be easier when you return to work. Find a guide who has managed her return so you have real support. If you don't know where to look, you can get a mentor as part of our Parenting Is Not a Brake mentoring programme.
Don't count on the same pace and commitment as before you went on maternity leave as soon as you return to work.
And it's okay. Take your time and don't ask for miracles on the spot... Be kind to yourself!"
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