“A truly equal world would be one where women ran half our countries and companies and men ran half our homes,” wrote Sheryl Sandberg in her book, Lean In. Some new research by global workplace provider, Regus, suggests mindsets are changing. For example, 84 percent of New Zealand businesses Regus surveyed think companies that don’t employ women returning from maternity leave are missing out on a valuable workforce.
Working mums bring valuable skills and expertise back with them, according to 57 percent of New Zealand businesses. These key findings are contained in an opinion survey of more than 19,000 business owners and senior managers in 98 countries.
Flexible hours, working closer to home, part-time roles and the option to sometimes use video conferences instead of travel to meetings, are among the best strategies to get more mothers back into the workforce.
Key findings show that:
- 63 percent of New Zealand respondents prefer to work remotely when they return to work;
- 41 percent believe women take shorter maternity leave (less than 3 months);
- 48 percent said working closer to home is a key incentive;
- 89 percent believe flexible working hours helps returning mothers.
ISBN: 0753541637
