18 Percent Fewer U.S. Companies Plan to Hire Working Mothers in 2011

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Jan 11, 2011, 09:00 ET

DALLAS, Jan. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In a worrying development for equal employment opportunities across the globe, new research commissioned by flexible workspace solutions provider Regus reveals that only 28 percent of U.S. firms declare they plan to hire working mothers in 2011, as compared to 46 percent a year ago. U.S. firms also plan to hire fewer working mothers than their global counterparts, with 36 percent of companies globally planning to hire working mothers in 2011.

The study, which surveyed the opinions of business owners when it comes to working mothers, revealed residual concerns amongst employers. Business owners surveyed responded that they felt working mothers may:

Show less commitment and flexibility than other employees - 37 percent
Leave shortly after training to have another child - 33 percent
Have out-dated skills - 24 percent

In the U.S. employers were particularly concerned about a working mother's schedule flexibility (25 percent), but much less worried about out-of-date skills (14 percent).

Sande Golgart, regional vice president for Regus comments, "With a record 6.4 million women without work in November 2010(1) coupled with our survey data, it's clear that business owners still view hiring working mothers as a gamble in uncertain economic times. However, as hiring and retention become bigger focuses in 2011, savvy business owners will find that they are able to attract top talent and provide a more family friendly and productive work environment simply by allowing employees to work flexible hours or from remote offices closer to home. These types of benefits improve morale and productivity across the board, cultivating a stronger, more motivated workforce."

Methodology

Over 10,000 business respondents from the Regus global contacts database were interviewed during August and September 2010. The Regus global contacts database of over 1 million business-people worldwide is highly representative of senior managers and owners in businesses across the globe. Respondents were asked about their intentions to hire working mothers and about their role in the workplace. The research was managed and administered by the independent organization, MarketingUK.

About Regus

Regus, the world's leading global provider of innovative workplace solutions with 1,100 locations in 500 cities and 85 countries, offers products and services ranging from fully equipped offices to professional meeting rooms, business lounges and the world's largest network of video communication studios.

For more information, visit www.regus.com.

To download a copy of the full report please visit www.regus.presscentre.com

(1) http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-12-04/u-s-expansion-struggles-to-become-broad-based-as-job-growth-lags-behind.html