Working Moms

Kate Bagggot recently wrote an article in The Globe & Mail that really hit home for me. Kate discussed how the tech industry's support of mothers is contradictory, and I have to agree. I was shocked to learn that Ericsson recently offered 1,000 of its Swedish employees between the ages of 35 and 50 a voluntary buy out. They hope to replace those expensive, long term employees with 900 workers under the age of 30. The move flies in the face of study results that concluded that becoming a mother makes women more focused, effective, efficient and productive at work (see "Giving Birth to Supermom")

I have to say, the hardest thing I've ever done is to become a working mom. There is immeasurable guilt when you have a baby (who always takes priority in my book) that requires you to spend time out of the office. Fortunately, working in the tech industry, we're provided with tools that allow you to do your job anywhere - from home or on the road, at any time of day. I have a cell phone, a laptop, a high speed connection at home, wireless access in hotspots - you name it. I am accessible 24x7. However, perception for many is a very different thing. Many people hold the belief that if you aren't in the office, you aren't working or aren't available. This leads to tension, guilt and all around dissatisfaction. I believe this is what leads companies like Ericsson to make moves like this.

I also believe that this will change over time but I think it will take longer than we initially thought. I remember when I was in grad school we had the "great debate" about the efficiency of the mobile workforce. I was a huge advocate then and still am today. Life is short - and a healthy work/life balance is almost impossible. Fortunately, technology has evolved to the point that it enables all of us to do the best that we can.

-posted by Anne