#64 Supporting Working Mothers in The Workplace with Laura Guckian

The 360 Leadhership Podcast, Episode 64, 15 March 2023 by Lucy Gernon

The juggle is real as a working mother, right?

In this episode of the Powerhouse Revolution Podcast, host Lucy Gernon is joined by Laura Guckian aka ‘Mind Mommy Coaching’ where they dive into the difficulties working mothers face in their daily lives and how employers can step up and offer better support.

Laura has a background in corporate marketing, but after experiencing the realities of motherhood, she decided to pivot and become a life coach specifically for mothers. Her mission is to normalise the struggles of balancing a career and motherhood, and to help boost the mental well-being of these superwomen.

Being a female leader and a working mother can be a real challenge, with so much pressure and expectations placed on these women. On one hand, as a female leader, you’re expected to be confident, assertive, and fully committed to your career. On the other hand, as a mother, you’re in charge of the upbringing and well-being of your little ones. It’s no wonder working mothers often feel like they’re constantly juggling and prioritising conflicting demands, leading to stress, exhaustion, and an overwhelming feeling.

Society and cultural norms also add to the challenges faced by working mothers, as women are still often considered the primary caretakers for their kids. But, let’s not forget, the modern workforce is made up of individuals with diverse backgrounds and unique needs.

To retain employees and help them reach their full potential, companies need to recognise and support the special challenges faced by working mothers. Here are 3 tips on how to do that:

  1. One important step for companies is to shift their focus from equality in support to equity. This means acknowledging that each employee has different struggles and tailoring the support to meet those specific needs. Companies need to understand that working mothers face exclusive challenges and require tailored support to manage their workload, family life, and career.

  2. A second way companies can provide support is through Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) that offer counselling and coaching. While therapy can be beneficial for some, coaching is more action-oriented and solution-focused, helping employees find practical ways to overcome their challenges. But it’s important for companies to make sure the coaching is tailored to the challenges faced by their working mothers, rather than just being a generic life-coaching session.

  3. Additionally, companies should have policies in place that address the smaller anxieties faced by working mothers, like worrying about taking calls from their kids’ school or needing a flexible schedule. These small steps go a long way in making working mothers feel supported and empowered to reach their full potential in both their personal and professional lives.

Companies play a crucial role in supporting working mothers and helping them balance their careers and family life. By offering tailored support, such as well-being programs, coaching, and flexible policies, companies can retain valuable employees, improve productivity, and create a positive work environment for all.

Listen to the podcast to hear all the juicy details including how Laura’s experience in a psychiatric hospital lead her to become a life coach for Mum’s.

Here’s the episode at a glance:

 

[04:30] Discover the Top 3 Challenges Women Face Balancing Corporate Careers and Motherhood

[13:58] Learn the Secret to Successfully Asking for Support as a Working Mom in the Corporate World

[18:41] Uncover Life-Changing Solutions Companies Can Adopt to Support Working Mothers

[25:30] Get the Ultimate Guide: Checklist for Your Business to Support Mothers Before, During, and After Childbirth.

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