Office Politics and Working Moms

These days there is a strange unspoken divide among co-workers. What is this divide? Moms and non-moms. This may not seem like much, but it creates a unique type of rift within the office social structure that should be understood to be properly managed.

Non-moms are frequently under the impression that Moms get away with extra benefits and use their children as excuses for their own gains. They believe that being a Mom is a choice, and they should not expect better treatment for it.

Conversely Moms in the office frequently feel a certain level of guilt over not being able to spend all of their time with their children and family. For this reason, they resent the attitudes of non-moms about their dedication to their kids.

If you happen to be a non-mom, you may be a parent one day, or find that you are responsible for issues of elder care. Therefore, it might be good for you to try to put yourself in the Mom's shoes and see what it's like from their point of view. Working Moms usually work because they either need the income and/or genuinely enjoy their careers. That being said, their jobs are very important to them. It isn't easy for them to work nine to eleven hours every day and then go home to begin another shift in the mother role. Tasks there include helping with homework, dinner, baths, and bedtime. Often Moms find that they don't have a single moment for themselves.

This makes it very easy for them to feel sorry for themselves. After all, when you're a working Mom, it feels like you're working a much more difficult life than non-moms are, and it doesn't feel fair.

So how can Moms and non-moms close this divide between them? It's not as difficult as you might think:

Moms and Non-Moms - Arrive at work on-time, and don't leave until your schedule says so.

Moms and Non-Moms - Minimize the number of personal calls you make.

Moms and Non-Moms - Only take sick days when you're truly sick.

Moms - Reserve a few of your vacation days to be used in case of sick children or parent-teacher meetings.

Moms - When special projects are available, or overtime is required, do what you can to get a sitter.

Moms and Non-Moms - be a team player, and show your co-workers that it's important to you to be seen that way.

Moms and Non-Moms - don't have a no overtime personal policy.

Moms - find babysitters or daycare services that will care for kids who have non-serious and non-contagious illnesses, such as earaches. There are times when this will make all the difference to your availability for work, while still ensuring that your child is cared for.

Non-Moms - understand when a Mom is late because her child has missed the bus. After all, you'll have a car breakdown one day, and you'll understand the feeling.

Success is very possible between Moms and non-moms. It just takes a bit of understanding, effort, and common sense. Planning and empathy can lead to healthy family life, and a happy workplace.