Day care – a relief for working mothers

parenting

Parenting is a gender-neutral role encompassing individuals involved in the upbringing of the young. Traditionally, the responsibility of raising children has been disproportionately placed on mothers. However, as economic factors play a pivotal role in shaping cultures, the duties associated with parenting are now being more equitably distributed between both parents. In response to these changes, workplaces have adapted by introducing paternity leaves, extended maternity leaves for women, medical support, and access to childcare experts.

The evolution in infrastructure also brought about the inclusion of day care facilities in organisations, recognising the need for parents to focus on work while maintaining productivity. This facility has become a standard part of HR policies in leading organisations, positively impacting their overall performance.

According to the World Bank, in 2022, women constituted only 23.31 per cent of the total labour force in Pakistan, with an average female labour force participation rate of 18.78 per cent from 1990 to 2022, significantly lower than the global average of 39 per cent. The labour force participation rate for women, aged 15 to 64, stands at a mere 26 per cent, compared to a higher 84 per cent for men. Strengthening day care policies can potentially increase female workforce participation, a crucial factor for the economic growth of Pakistan, where nearly half of the population is female.

This facility holds significant benefits for women, especially those faced with the emotional difficulty of leaving their infants, often dependent on maternal care. The intricate process of ensuring the child’s feeding and care becomes a formidable challenge. It encompasses not only the physical well-being of the child but also their emotional health, and separation from the nurturing parent is not an ideal choice.

To establish a stronger link between supporting parents at work through day care facilities and enhanced organisational output, this scribe interviewed various HR leaders in the industry. Many organisations are already taking proactive steps to provide working parents with this valuable option.

Shahrukh Masood, is an HR expert and presently leading the HR at Martin Dow Limited. He was happy to share his perspective, as he felt the absolute necessity of this feature to support business better. “Our company provides crucial support to working parents through a well-equipped on-site childcare facility designed for both male and female employees. This initiative aims to meet the diverse needs of the workforce, promoting a positive work-life balance. The on-site day care particularly benefits working mothers by offering convenience and peace of mind, allowing them to focus on their professional responsibilities. The qualified and caring day care staff ensures a stimulating environment for children and addresses various situations throughout the day. Safety and security concerns get addressed through live video recording access for parents. The facility, equipped with modern amenities, flexible hours, and alignment with the organisation’s schedule, contributes to employee satisfaction, retention, productivity, and performance. Beyond benefiting working mothers, the on-site day care promotes inclusivity, challenging traditional gender roles and fostering a diverse workplace. We emphasise the significance of a supportive work environment, recognising its people as the cornerstone of success,” explained Masood.

This policy is well illustrated in some state institutions like Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). “Our organisation is committed to supporting the well-being of its working women, recognising the challenges they may face as parents. To address this, SECP has established a dedicated day care facility at its Head Office in Islamabad. This in-house day care center is designed to provide facilitation and support to the staff and officers, especially young mothers, to pursue their professional responsibilities with the comfort of having access to their young ones, well-cared for on-site. This initiative reflects SECP’s commitment to creating a workplace that prioritises work-life balance and the overall welfare of its employees,” shared Mubashir Hassan, HR Director, SECP.

S&P Global, which is an international firm, offers insights with its office in Pakistan, has also introduced a novel day care policy which allows working parents a certain annual sum which can be used to get their child access a day care of their choice and ease. “We are dedicated to putting our people first. In a bid to enhance the well-being and growth of our team, we are excited to launch a day care allowance policy for our working parents. The policy, which sets an annual limit for each child under four, underscores our unwavering dedication to our core values. This offering reinforces our commitment to help people in balancing a rewarding work life with a fulfilling personal life,” elucidated Samia Qamar, Director of People at S&P Global, Pakistan. In a competitive job market, offering on-site day care can be a unique and attractive perk that helps attract top talent, especially among individuals with young children. Companies that prioritise the well-being of their employees and support work-life balance through on-site day care can enhance their corporate image, showcasing a commitment to employee welfare. On-site day care facilities can be designed to provide a stimulating environment with educational tools, contributing to the early childhood development of employees’ children. And most importantly, having a day care on-site fosters a sense of community among employees and contributes to a positive company culture, where colleagues with families can share common experiences and support one another.

The author is an ex-banker turned HR and Finance professional. She can be reached at saba.hussain@gmailcom