Tokyo, Aug 21, 2012 - (JCN Newswire) - In a recent Employee Insights Survey of female professionals in Japan, 77% of respondents believe women are less employable if they decide to start a family. In contrast, only 3% feel women are more employable, while 20% believe starting a family does not affect a woman's chances of being re-hired. With more women in Japan possessing the business experience and specialised skill sets necessary for globalising companies, this perception will discourage female professionals from re-entering the workforce following childbirth.
For working mothers, the biggest challenges centred on balancing a career and family. 48% of respondents feel that long working hours make it difficult for mothers to re-enter the workforce and 24% believe a challenge is finding suitable childcare services. Job-related issues such as limited promotion opportunities (11%) and finding a challenging or motivating position (10%) were also concerns for professionals following maternity leave.
Natasha Brooks, Director of Contract comments:
"There appears to be a real disconnect between women wanting to re-enter the workforce and the perception of their opportunities do so. Competition for globally experienced professionals is intensifying, so companies will need to implement policies to help retain those qualified female professionals seeking to balance family and a career. These could include strategies such as flexible working hours, the ability to work from home or offering contract positions to help working mothers control their schedules."
For the full report, visit http://www.robertwalters.co.jp/company/pdf/EIS_2012_eng.pdf .
How do you feel a women's decision to start a family will affect her ability to be hired?
Less employable 77%
No change 20%
More employable 3%
What do you feel is the main reason for women to rejoin the workforce after having children?
Income source 39%
To stay busy 37%
Career ambition 19%
Other 6%
What is the main challenge for women re-entering the workforce following maternity leave?
Long working hours 48%
Finding suitable childcare services 24%
Limited promotion opportunities 11%
Finding a challenging and motivating position 10%
Negative perception from colleagues 7%
About the Employee Insights Survey
The Robert Walters 2012 Employee Insights Survey polled nearly 700 professionals across Japan. The results provide a snapshot on how people work and their thoughts on current issues affecting both their job and the professional decisions they make.
About Robert Walters PLC
Robert Walters is an award-winning business and the leading specialist consultancy in Japan and worldwide for permanent and contract recruitment. Our industry-specialised teams leverage a network of 53 offices spanning 24 countries. We are the only consultancy in Japan to offer a non-commissioned approach ensuring clients have access to our entire database of experienced, bilingual professionals. For more information, please visit www.robertwalters.com .
Contact:
Ambrose Lau, PR Specialist
t: +81 (0)3 4570 1513
e: ambrose.lau@robertwalters.co.jp
Aug 21, 2012
Source: Robert Walters PLC
Robert Walters PLC
From the Japan Corporate News Network
http://www.japancorp.net
Topic: Press release summary
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