New Indeed Flex survey shows 67% of working mothers rank flexible hours as their top criteria in a new job

Most working mothers are concerned about the current workplace accommodations that employers make for them (68%), and many say that flexible work arrangements can provide better work-life balance, according to a new survey from Indeed Flex, the digital platform for flexible and temporary workers (1). 

While more than half (53%) of the survey participants said they are the breadwinner of their family, one in three (32%) left their full-time job to pursue temporary and flexible work options during the pandemic.  

“Work flexibility is a must with all the commitments and uncertainties that parenthood brings,” said Stacey Lane, general manager of Indeed Flex U.S. “Short- and long-term temporary work options not only allow mothers to continue to provide for their families while strengthening their skills, but also free up childcare costs and allow them to spend more precious time with their children by letting them set their own work schedules.”

Flexible hours ranked top workplace attribute 

When asked about what they look for in a new job, more mothers ranked flexible hours (67%) above competitive pay (63%). Benefits (52%) and long-term stability (48%) followed closely behind. Flexible hours could boost a family’s disposable income by trimming outside childcare costs. Three out of four moms surveyed – most of whom have children aged below 18 – currently rely on outside childcare, with 54% saying the stress or financial cost of childcare has made them consider leaving the workforce.

Temporary work options provide balance 

In the past three years, nearly two in three (59%) mothers reported childcare as a source of stress. Working mothers said that flexible work arrangements help them strike a better balance between work and family (91%). A majority said flexible and temporary work options provide them with opportunities to earn a solid income (89%) and improve their ability to find steady work (72%).