Mums working full-time less stressed than part-timers

Mums working full-time are less stressed than their part-time counterparts

According to research conducted by nanny recruitment agency, KiwiOz Childcare, part-time working ‘keeps you sane’ and ‘stimulated’ but also adds more stress to your life.

This is the view of 75% of women in part-time employment who responded to the company’s recent online survey. Interestingly, none of the respondents in full-time positions mentioned stress as a by-product of working.

Out of all respondents, 59% worked part-time, 14% full-time and 27% were intending to return to work at some stage.

When asked if they ever felt guilty about working (or even thinking about it), over half said they did ‘sometimes’, ‘often’ or ‘always’. Out of the 44% who said they ‘never’ felt guilty, most were in full-time employment.

Helene Girard, Manager of KiwiOz’s new Wellington office, says the survey – a snapshot into women’s thoughts and feelings around childcare and work – points to mums working full-time as being the most at ease with their work/childcare situation.

“It’s quite possible that mums who work full-time are better set up than those who fit work in around picking up the children and all the other family tasks,” she says. “Typically, they are already out of the house when school or early education starts and aren’t likely to be back until after 5.00pm. This means they have to make sure there’s cover in place.

“By comparison, part-time workers will likely try to do everything themselves – which, of course, will add to their stress. The reality, though, is that working mums, whether full or part-time, can’t do absolutely everything and they shouldn’t be shy or feel guilty about enlisting help.”

Case study:
Jo, a busy working mum, can identify with women who feel that their part-time job adds to their stress. With four children aged between two and six years and her own business to run, she realised early-on that the success of her home and work lives depended on her getting some help. She works part-time two days a week and recently employed a nanny.

The online survey consisted of 10 short questions around childcare and work. It was emailed out to known contacts as well as posted on the KiwiOz Facebook page. The survey was open for 10 days.

The intention was for KiwiOz to gain some insights for business use and to test whether working women are aware that they can claim 30 hours a week of ECE subsidies if they employ a nanny for children aged 0 – 5 years.

75% of survey respondents weren’t aware.

ENDS

© Scoop Media