London - More than 80 percent of women think having a child will harm their careers, according to a survey.
The research into women’s views on their work-life balance found two-thirds believe the expectations they face to succeed in their careers and as mothers are unrealistic.
Most women also agreed there was a widely held belief that those who work flexible or reduced hours are less committed.
But despite their concerns about how society perceives them, 89 percent still believe being a working mother provides balance in their lives and makes them better role models.
The findings reflect the views of the first 10 000 people polled by Project 28-40, which represents the age group during which women’s career progression typically slows down compared with men’s.
The study was commissioned by Helena Morrissey, chief executive of Newton Investment Management, who has nine children.
Mrs Morrissey said that while women are torn between work and home, they are also tied to the belief that a senior role at work inevitably means longer hours and more stress.
“It is quite overwhelming that 91 percent believe the most senior positions involve pressure and long hours while 66 percent believe work needs to be their No 1 priority if they are to progress,” she said.
“We have to redefine success at work. It should be judged on output, not hours put in.
“I think women have this perception that to be successful you need to be available 24/7, which is a shame because it puts people off.”
Another common concern among women is that they feel at a disadvantage compared to colleagues when they return to the workplace after having children. Only a third said they believe the opportunities to advance are equal between women who have children and those who do not.
Adeline Diab, 35, a global manager for Aviva Investors, who recently married, has concerns about how she will manage her career when the time comes to start a family.
“My objective is to have children without compromising my success at work,” she said.
“I do worry there is a perception that once women have children their potential for career growth weakens. This would be a main worry for me and I think there needs to be more measures in place to help women juggle it all.”
Rebecca Wright, 33, was able to care for her sons full-time without giving up her job as a lawyer after her employer offered her a career break.
“Before having children I thought I would be able to have it all, be the perfect mother and have a career,” she said. She told the Sunday Times that when she was unable to find childcare that met the needs of her two young sons, she found she had to stop work.
“I began trying to find a nanny but it became clear to me as time dragged on that I just didn’t want anyone else looking after my children at this time.”
She said she experienced “immense relief” after being offered a four-year break, but added: “I will miss going to work and I do worry about my long-term career prospects, but of all the possible regrets available this was the one I could most easily live with.”
The findings of the survey will be used to “more accurately diagnose” why women are not being promoted at the same rate as men during this critical phase for career development. - Daily Mail