Around 17.4 percent of the US labor force was born in a different country in 2019. The figure is equivalent to 28.4 million people. And a good number of these workers are mothers. Many of them still have families back home who depend on their support. Some challenges they face in their new environment include language, transportation, cultural differences, and childcare concerns.
As the number of foreign-born mothers grows, businesses need to consider how they can better support this population. After all, these women are an essential part of the workforce and play a vital role in driving economic growth. Here are a few ways businesses can help foreign-born mothers:
Provide On-Site Childcare
The provision of on-site childcare is essential for supporting foreign-born mothers in the workplace. By providing accessible and affordable childcare, employers can help mothers maintain their jobs while caring for their children. This can be hugely beneficial for both mothers and their children. It allows them to continue working and earning a salary while providing their children with a stable and safe environment to grow and learn. Additionally, on-site childcare can help reduce stress levels for mothers, as they will no longer have to worry about finding affordable and trustworthy childcare arrangements.
There are many benefits to providing on-site childcare for foreign-born mothers, including increased productivity and job satisfaction, as well as decreased absenteeism and employee turnover. By supporting these mothers in the workplace, businesses can help ensure that they can succeed professionally and personally. Ultimately, investing in on-site childcare is not just good for mothers and their children but is also good for businesses and society as a whole.
Facilitate Money Remittance
There are many benefits to facilitating money remittance for foreign-born mothers in the workplace. By making it easier for these women to send money back to their families, employers can help improve the financial security of their loved ones overseas. In addition, employers can reduce employee turnover and boost morale by providing a reliable and affordable way for employees to send money home.
Money remittance is an essential source of income for families living in developing countries. A study by the World Bank found that remittances can reach $630 billion in 2022. By making it easier for foreign-born mothers to send money back to their families, employers can play a significant role in helping to improve their lives.
Facilitating money remittance is also a cost-effective way for employers to show their employees that they care. Employers can reduce employee turnover and boost morale by providing a simple and affordable way for employees to send money home.
If you’re a foreign-born worker, you’ll likely become more productive and less likely to leave your job, which benefits you and the company. And if you plan to buy property in the Philippines, you should also know how to check your credit score in the Philippines. This lets you know how much money you need to send back home.
Offer Flexible Work Arrangements
Working mothers, regardless of nationality, often face challenges when managing work and family responsibilities. While many companies are beginning to offer flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting and flextime, these programs are not always available to foreign-born mothers.
Offering flexible work arrangements is vital for two reasons. First, it allows working mothers to balance their work and family responsibilities better. Second, it sends the message that the company values its employees and is willing to accommodate their needs.
Foreign-born mothers who can work flexibly are more likely to be productive employees. They will not have to worry about missing important family events or having to leave work early to take care of their children. Additionally, they may be more likely to stay with the company for longer.
Businesses that want to attract and retain top talent should consider flexible work arrangements for all employees, including foreign-born mothers. Doing so will benefit these employees and the company as a whole.
Increase Diversity and Inclusion Efforts
The importance of increasing diversity and inclusion efforts in the workplace cannot be overstated. When organizations make a concerted effort to embrace diversity and inclusion, they are opening themselves up to new and innovative ideas and perspectives. This, in turn, leads to a more productive and profitable workplace.
Diversity and inclusion are also important because they help to create a more equal society. By allowing everyone to contribute their unique perspectives, businesses can move closer to equality for all. And this is something that businesses should all strive for.
As the number of foreign-born mothers in the United States continues to grow, businesses need to consider how they can better support this population. By taking these steps, businesses can positively impact these women’s lives—and ultimately help drive economic growth.
