What mothers returning to work need instead of individual discounts

In recent years, mothers with young children have been returning to the labour market more and more intensively in a growing number of sectors. Data from the WHC Group clearly shows a growing trend: Since spring 2023, the number of mothers in co-operative employment has increased severalfold. Part of this growth is driven by the demand for flexible forms of employment, and part by a slower but steady change in employer attitudes.

Returning mothers typically start looking for work when their child is 1 to 1.5 years old, but many are already working again during childcare benefit (GYED), adapting to their own life situation. Working hours typically vary between eight and thirty hours a week

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Location, however, has a big impact on the types of positions available.

Budapest is mainly administrative and other intellectual jobs, while the Mid-West region is more mixed, with both clerical and manual work, whether manual assembly, bookkeeping or HR.

In contrast, in the West, 80 percent of mothers work in manual jobs such as cleaning or kitchen help.

An important aspect is that these mothers are most likely to seek employment opportunities in fields in which they have worked before, so that they can draw on their existing skills and experience. They are also trustworthy and loyal, as they generally have limited opportunities in the labour market

The biggest challenge in the process is often not the work itself, but the circumstances: the issue of daycare placements, the organisation of commuting to work, and periodic absences for sick children are all factors that require extra flexibility on the part of parents and employers alike.

"Contrary to popular belief, it's not that people with young children have special needs - they are simply in a situation that many workers will sooner or later find themselves in. That is why what is needed is not individual preferences but systemic understanding and flexibility. Those companies that recognise this will not only act in a socially responsible way, but will also gain a long-term competitive advantage," said Ákos Margitics, Head of the Cooperative Services Business Unit at WHC Group. Based on their experience, the key to success is constant communication, responsiveness and cooperation. When a new mother faces an obstacle to finding a job, the cooperative coordinates with several actors, from daycare centres to the public treasury, to get her into work as soon as possible. This type of flexibility and forward planning is now not only an option, but also a prerequisite and an expectation.

How the number of Hungarian mothers working while on childcare has changed

Internationally, on average, 45% of mothers in the OECD were actively employed and working in 2021 while raising at least one child aged 0-2, while in Hungary, 16.3% of mothers raising a child aged 0-2 were actively working in 2021, according to OECD data - read our previous article!

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