Why The 5-Day Work Week Doesn’t Work For Working Moms

In the wake of the pandemic-induced upheaval, the words of Sallie Krawcheck, CEO of Ellevest, still echo loudly: the pre-pandemic work culture wasn’t built to accommodate everyone, especially not women and underrepresented groups. Karwcheck said, the pre-pandemic workplace “worked for white men, not everyone, and certainly not women and under-represented groups.” And for working moms, the cracks in this system were glaringly evident long before COVID-19 forced us to rethink our approach to work-life balance.

The traditional 9-to-5, five-day work week has been the norm for decades, but for many working moms, it’s an outdated model that simply doesn’t align with the demands of modern life. As we navigate through a rapidly evolving landscape, it’s become increasingly clear that clinging to this outdated structure stifles the potential of women leaders and hinders the progress of working mothers everywhere.

So, why exactly doesn’t the 5-day work week work for working moms? Let’s break it down.

Firstly, the rigid Monday through Friday schedule often fails to accommodate the multifaceted responsibilities that working moms juggle on a daily basis. From childcare duties to household chores and everything in between, the traditional work week leaves little room for flexibility, forcing many women to sacrifice time for self-care, personal obligations, and family time in order to meet professional expectations.

Moreover, the commute to and from the office adds another layer of stress and time consumption, eating into precious moments that could be spent with family or pursuing personal interests. For working moms, every minute counts, and the inefficiencies of commuting only exacerbate the challenges they face in balancing work and family life.

Then there’s the issue of workplace culture. Despite progress in recent years, many corporate environments still operate under outdated norms that prioritize presenteeism over productivity. This mentality disproportionately affects working moms, who may need flexibility in their schedules to accommodate family commitments or unexpected emergencies.

The pandemic forced a reevaluation of these norms, with remote work becoming the new standard for many industries. For working moms, this shift brought newfound flexibility and autonomy, allowing them to better manage their time and prioritize their responsibilities. However, as we cautiously navigate towards a post-pandemic world, it’s crucial that we don’t revert to the old ways of working.

Instead, we must seize this opportunity to reimagine work in a way that empowers working moms and promotes inclusivity and equality in the workplace. This means embracing flexible work arrangements that allow employees to balance their professional and personal lives more effectively.

Flexible scheduling, telecommuting options, and compressed work weeks are just a few examples of how companies can adapt to meet the needs of working moms. By offering employees the freedom to structure their work days in a way that suits their individual circumstances, organizations can foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.

But it’s not just about flexibility in scheduling; it’s also about creating a culture of trust and understanding. Employers must recognize that employees have lives outside of work and should be treated with respect and empathy. This means refraining from micromanaging and focusing on results rather than hours logged.

Additionally, companies should invest in resources and support systems to help working moms succeed. This could include access to affordable childcare, parental leave policies that reflect the diverse needs of modern families, and mentorship programs designed to nurture female talent and leadership.

Furthermore, fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion is essential for creating a workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. This means actively seeking out diverse perspectives and voices, promoting women into leadership positions, and challenging ingrained biases and stereotypes.

Ultimately, the 5-day work week is a relic of a bygone era, ill-suited to the realities of modern life. For working moms, it’s time to break free from the constraints of this outdated model and embrace a new way of working that prioritizes flexibility, inclusivity, and equality.

As we lean into a more progressive working environment, let’s seize this opportunity to build a better future for working moms—one where they can thrive professionally without sacrificing their personal and family lives. By reimagining work in a way that accommodates the changing needs of all employees, we can create a more equitable and abundant society for generations to come.