Handling the responsibilities as an employee in the day and as a mother at night. This is a challenge faced by working mothers that isn’t talked about enough. We know it is extremely tiring to work a full 9-hour shift at work, and then go back home to begin your “second work shift” of household chores and baby duties. Physically, it is as draining as it sounds, not to mention the mental exhaustion of worrying about the nitty-gritty details of everything at home.
Today, we delve deeper into the topic of work-life balance for working mothers. How to ensure that you can achieve the best balance between work and life (while maintaining your sanity!).
1. Understanding the Singapore work environment
It is undeniable that the work culture in Singapore is extremely fast-paced. With Singaporeans working an average of 44.5 hours per week, we came out on top as the most overworked country in the Asia Pacific region, according to a survey conducted in 2022 by The Instant Group. Impressive? We think not.
However, there are still ways we can work around the glorified culture of overworking in Singapore. Many companies may discuss with employees and offer unofficial flexible working hours to help accommodate their busy schedules. Though this varies between companies, it can be a good way to seek help from your employers to better manage the duties of being a full-time employee and full-time mother.
The Tripartite Alliance for Fair & Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) encourages employers to implement certain employment practices at their workplaces. This covers various aspects including fair recruitment practices, age management, and flexible working arrangements.
2. Seek Flexible Working Arrangements
Flexible working arrangements are a game-changer for working mothers. Whether it’s hybrid work policies or reduced workloads, these options can offer much-needed relief in balancing work and family life. Hybrid work, which blends remote and office-based work, allows you to schedule your tasks according to your needs — completing focus-heavy projects from home while attending meetings or team collaborations at the office.
The Singapore government has launched a set of guidelines that employers have to adhere to when it comes to flexible working arrangements. From December 2024, employers must have a process for employees to formally request flexible working arrangements, and they need to communicate their decision within two months. Employers have the right to reject such requests, but they must be backed up with reasonable business grounds.
For those mothers wanting to work close to their children, co-working spaces with childcare facilities, such as Trehaus, offer a unique solution. These facilities let you focus on work while your child is cared for nearby, giving you peace of mind and greater control over your day.
3. Get Support from Family and Community
It’s often said that it takes a village to raise a child—and that is absolutely true when it comes to juggling motherhood and a career. One way to cope with the demands of both is to seek community support. SG Parent Meetups have a variety of parent groups where parents gather to share their experiences, tips, and advice. These gatherings not only provide emotional support but also help in building a community that understands your unique challenges.
At the same time, it’s crucial to manage expectations from yourself and your family. It’s nearly impossible to be perfect in the workplace and at home all the time. Understanding this can help alleviate the pressure of trying to ‘do it all’, which may lead to detrimental consequences to your physical and mental health. By setting realistic expectations, you will be better able to balance the two roles without sacrificing your well-being.
4. Leverage Government Childcare and Education Support
Singapore has several schemes in place to support working mothers, but not all are widely known. For instance, while many mothers know of the standard childcare subsidies, fewer are aware of the additional Infant Care Leave that can be claimed when their child is under two years old. This provides an additional safety net for mothers, allowing them to spend more time with their little ones without worrying about using up all their annual leave.
For low-income families, there are schemes like the ComCare Childcare Assistance, which go beyond mainstream subsidies to provide financial help to those who need it most. These lesser-known resources can make a big difference in reducing the stress of managing both work and family life.
5. Prioritise Self-Care and Mental Wellbeing
Amid the whirlwind of work and family, it’s easy to forget about self-care. However, looking after your mental and physical health is essential to sustaining work-life balance. Many companies in Singapore offer corporate mental wellness programs through Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP), which include counselling services. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to tap into these resources that can provide you with the support you need.
When time is limited, even small breaks can make a big impact. Try short exercises or guided 5-minute meditations. These short bursts of self-care help rejuvenate your mind and body without taking up too much time.
Mindfulness techniques such as single-tasking — focusing on one thing at a time — can also be beneficial for busy mothers. A quick “3-breath reset,” which involves taking three deep breaths to re-centre your focus, can help reduce stress and increase clarity.
If you are still feeling overwhelmed by workplace stress, consider attending courses to pick up stress management techniques and develop emotional resilience to cope with the pressure. FirstCom Academy offers a one-day training course to help working professionals manage stress levels with practical tools to identify stress triggers.
Conclusion
Achieving work-life balance as a working mother is not without its challenges, but it is possible with the right mindset and resources. By seeking flexible work options, leaning on community and government support, and prioritising self-care, you can navigate the demands of both career and motherhood with greater ease and confidence.
Remember, the goal isn’t perfection — it’s finding what works best for you and your family.
