Mothers working part-time

‘They need to work 8 to 5.’

‘We can’t possibly allow someone to leave work early’

These and more are the kind of excuses you commonly hear for not employing mothers of young children.

I have yet to see anybody more productive during work hours than mothers. One part time accountant I used to work with said she was so grateful to take a break from being a mother that she looked forward to coming to work.

When you are looking to fill roles at your company, think about the thousands of talented but underemployed women living in the suburbs around you.

Make your workplace a friendly place for them to work. Allow flexible hours. Understand the need to take care of their children when sick. Most of all make them feel welcome. You might be surprised at where this can get you.