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New moms would rather have more flexible hours and remote-work options than a salary bump, according to a new survey.
The survey of 402 women by Baby Center found that even when offered pay raises of up to $10,000 per year, some still preferred flexible and remote-working options, as they balance work and family responsibilities.
“These findings demonstrate the fact that moms see remote work as a way to reduce the conflict between career and home responsibilities,” said Sipra Laddha, perinatal psychiatrist and board member of the BabyCenter Medical Advisory.
“These statistics highlight the intense juggling act most women do, and the desire to have the two areas of life function with more respect for one another,” she added.
BabyCenter surveyed women who are currently pregnant or have at least one child who is 5 years or younger.
Out of all the benefits listed — from fertility services to childcare reimbursement — flexible work hours was at the top of the list for 64% of new moms.
Paid parental leave was second on the list, followed by remote work, which is a benefit more than half of the moms surveyed saying they’d like.
Sacrifice a salary bump
Nearly half of the moms — 46% — said that they would rather take the remote-working option over a $1,000 increase in salary.
And 29% of moms said they’d choose remote work options over a $10,000 raise in annual pay.
The tough burden of being responsible for small children limits some moms from joining, or re-joining the labor market.
““When we remove barriers and obstacles for our employees, we set up an environment in which they can thrive.””
BabyCenter’s Dr. Laddha said that a shift to remote work could benefit not only moms and families, but employers too, as alternative work options could attract and retain talent.
Among parents of children aged 6 and below, there was a big gender disparity: While 94% of dads participate in the labor force, only 66% of moms do the same.
“Women thriving both at home and in the workplace will help keep women engaged, rather than burnt out and stressed,” Dr. Laddha said.
“It’s very helpful to offer remote opportunities to women who prefer it. When we remove barriers and obstacles for our employees, we set up an environment in which they can thrive.”
Are you a working mom and want to share your thoughts? Write to MarketWatch reporter Aarthi Swaminathan at aarthi@marketwatch.com
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