My friend’s family’s lifestyle changed quite dramatically after she left her job. She sold her house, and they had to downsize to a much smaller home where two of her four children share a bedroom, and the whole family shares one bathroom.
They also had to remove the other three children from their private schools and enroll them in the district’s public schools.
My friend studied for years to enter the industry she once worked in. She almost worked herself to the point of exhaustion, climbing her way up the corporate ladder and maintaining her professionalism once at the top.
When I asked her if she missed her career, she responded that while she is unhappy with her family’s situation, she doesn’t miss the daily pressure her bosses put on her due to the unfair expectations and sometimes impossible standards set for working mothers.
She doesn’t regret leaving her job to care for her child. However, she still struggles with losing financial stability and the feeling of independence that came with her career.
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More support is needed for working parents, especially in times of crisis
No parent should choose between their career and their child’s well-being.
There are currently several initiatives and policies in place aimed at supporting families in the workplace, especially those dealing with mental health issues.
The Australian Government and the National Mental Health Commission developed a framework that aims to foster workplace environments that are free of stigma and discrimination, support positive mental health, and accommodate the needs of all workers, including those with mental health conditions or caring responsibilities.
While some other programs and tools make up part of a broader effort to address mental health proactively in the workplace and also ensure that families dealing with mental health issues can find a supportive and understanding work environment, there is still so much more that can be done.
Companies that adopt innovative approaches to supporting employees grappling with family mental health challenges can reap huge benefits.
To provide the support and much-needed balance, companies could consider the following:
- Flexible work scheduling and remote work options.
- Implement a ‘life leave’ policy that allows for extended, safeguarded time off.
- Providing comprehensive wellness programs, including fully funded counseling and stress management workshops, could offer crucial support to employees who are struggling with work-life balance.
- Introduce mental health days and flexible benefits packages tailored to enhance psychological well-being.
Such initiatives not only alleviate stress for employees but also foster a supportive, productive workplace environment.
When a company’s employees are well cared for, the effect on their workplace productivity and loyalty to the company benefits not only the company but also the economy.
I’m very fortunate to be able to work for myself. However, with one of my children enduring mental health challenges, I know firsthand how much love, care, and attention are required to manage everything.
My friend’s experience resonates deeply with me because I can’t imagine the added stress of answering a boss or a company on top of the already overwhelming mental load that parents face. Yet, this kind of stress is a regular part of many full-time workers’ everyday realities.
By sharing this story, we can all become more aware of working mothers’ struggles and work towards creating a more supportive and compassionate work environment for all.
Deanna Bugalski is an Australian reality storyteller and fabulously chaotic mom of three who writes about human interests topics, travel, entertainment, mental health, and the struggle juggle of daily life with a good dose of humor/
