Continuity of the human race vs continuity of the economy - why not have both! (Women friendly work legislation. Is it fair?)

Member Name: Dinah93

Product:	Women friendly work legislation. Is it fair?
Date:	23/11/08 (65 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Enables women to have careers, provides greater flexibility and alternative family structures.

Disadvantages: Men can feel marginalised or taken advantage of

There is a faction amongst men who appear to believe maternity leave is little more than a paid vacation for women. Yet in order for employers to attract women to enter and stay in the workforce, they need to be able to be supportive of women many of whom do not wish to be forced to choose between family and career. The reality is most households need two wages to support themselves today, but this has not diminished the desire by many families to have children.

Whilst it is not solely men who have spoken out against child friendly policies, many women who have chosen or unable to have children can still see the need to have such policies. Compromises can be found to allow flexible working practices to be available to all employees, thus eliminating discrimination between childless couples and those with young families. This can include flexi-time, lieu time, short notice days off and alternative working patterns such as term time only hours.

However the same men who have spoken out against family friendly workplace policy are unlikely to want to be the sole wage provider, again believing it is unfair that their wife or partner gets to 'lounge about' at home all day. These women are likely to also be taking on the lions share of duties within the home and family, trying to fulfill their husbands desires of a maternal care giver while still providing a second wage.

The contradiction is that these men would not be here if their mother had not had a supportive husband who could provide for the whole household, or a female friendly employer who granted them paid leave and flexible working conditions in order to raise a family. Whilst the vast majority of men are fully supportive of the need for women to have flexible working practices, and are appreciative of the sacrifices women put in in order to raise their children and take care of the home, those who object tend to be louder and more vocal at making their opinions felt.

Whilst it is acknowledged that introducing paid maternity leave and family friendly hours may incur a cost to the company, these costs must be accepted and absorbed in order to have a dynamic, happy workplace. In large companies the exclusion of all women who have or could have children from the workplace would have a detrimental effect on their ability to function, and certainly breach several employment laws! The most forward thinking companies have introduced paternity leave, which is beneficial as it gives the father time to bond with the baby, and the mother some help during the difficult first weeks, and additional help after the birth, which will be especially helpful if she has had a ceasarian.

Inevitably family legislation is biased towards women, but until men become capable of carrying a baby for 9 months, then going through the exhausting and painful process of childbirth, that's the way it should be.

Summary: Essential to the continuation of the traditional family structure, whilst benefiting employers