Managing Work-life Balance: A Study of Social Media Network ‘Engineering Working Moms’
Keywords:
emotional support, social networks, engineering, motherhood, Work-Life BalanceAbstract
The Engineering Working Moms social networking group is the focus of this study. The group membership is broad, encompassing mothers who are engineers and work outside of the home, but also those who are not currently working, those who work remotely, those between jobs, or those preparing for re-entry. Mainly based in North America, the group is a valuable resource for technical expertise, advice on managing work-life balance and learning the essential skills necessary for navigating life as a technical mother.
The researchers conducted a survey of the group to explore their socialization and interactions, specifically their quest for work-life balance. The findings revealed that work-life balance looks different for everyone. Some of the engineers found that limiting their activities was the best option, while others kept a tight schedule on their planners and calendars. Many relied on neighbors, friends, and family to help them schedule activities like carpooling and babysitting. Having a flexible job or a partner with a flexible job also helped significantly.
The members of this group all work and care for their families, and they focus on programs and task support that professional organizations and employers can implement to support and retain them in the workforce. The group discusses various issues they face and often delves into the support they receive during pregnancy and childbirth, which is not always clear. This research delved deeper into these issues and highlighted that, while most women felt supported during pregnancy and childbirth, some faced judgmental attitudes from their bosses and co-workers.
The issues confronted by the members of this group can inform the development of benefits and programs that employers may consider to attract and retain engineering staff. Additionally, this research provides insight into the interactions and fellowship among women in technical careers, which can help to deepen our understanding of women's socialization.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).
