Ten2Two – named after the hours that many mothers are available for work - believes that government and business may be looking in the wrong place for its skilled people. We believe the answer is much closer to home.
Mothers represent a unique and untapped supply of experienced, skilled, educated workers. Whilst the government may implement useful policies around childcare provision and financing, and in encouraging companies to embrace flexible working, we feel that a major part of the problem is in Mothers and Businesses finding each other and getting help to make something happen when they do.
Our research has shown:
Mothers
- Mothers are frustrated that only low-level jobs seem to be available to them
- Mothers are keen to work where the circumstances are right – where they can be full-time mums and part-time workers
- Money is only one motivation for mothers. Using their hard-won skills; contributing to the success of an organisation and the personal and social benefits that can come from an environment beyond the family and the playgrounds are all powerful drivers
- Whether working as an employee or under contract, Mothers will be committed and enthusiastic, ensuring they can meet the demands of the job
- There is often some anxiety and nervousness about returning to the workplace, even if the absence has been relatively brief
- There is a desire to ensure basic skills are up to date
- Mothers are natural networkers and will automatically support others where their experiences and abilities can help
- Mothers want support in finding and administering their work
- Flexible working opportunities are also attractive to fathers who are caring for their children full-time and carers
Business
- Businesses find it hard to recruit good people and this often restricts company growth and development
- Businesses outside of large cities find it even harder to attract experienced, senior people locally
- Businesses vary considerably in their attitudes to flexible working
- Businesses recognise that many jobs could be carried out by people working on a flexible basis
- Prejudice and discrimination may be a reason for organizations not embracing flexible working but management work load and lack of time, resulting in 'doing the way it's always been' is often the real reason
- Where businesses are considering flexible work, they often do not have the HR policies and systems to support it
- Many businesses like to work with commercial suppliers
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