WORKING mothers expressed high levels of interest in starting a business, and employers should be ready to support them in achieving these goals, LinkedIn reported, citing the results of a study.
According to the LinkedIn Opportunity Index 2020, the career networking company said 25% of working mothers in the Philippines expressed interest in starting their own businesses, while 16% valued job security.
LinkedIn said the main constraint for such workers is lack of time and money.
“Lack of time is a more difficult barrier for them compared to other respondents. They also experience related concerns such as lack of support in family commitments and weak networks as bigger hurdles compared to other respondents,” LinkedIn said in a statement Monday.
LinkedIn added that female workers in the Philippines are likely to leave employment after or in preparation for childbirth.
The Philippines’ female labor participation rate is 46%, lowest in Southeast Asia.
LinkedIn said 22% of working mothers in the Philippines are single, the second-highest level in the world. This poses a challenge for mothers who need to find a balance between family time and pursuing employment or business goals.
LinkedIn Vice-President of Talent and Learning Solutions for the Asia-Pacific Feon Ang said that addressing the gaps in providing women, especially mothers, with work opportunities should be a focus for employers, considering that this population can help fill the need for more talent globally.
“As industries face the global shortage of talent and skills gaps, it becomes more important for businesses to do more to encourage women to be a part of the workforce and help them reach their full potential. A diverse and inclusive workforce can be a huge advantage for businesses as employees can share and learn from one another’s perspectives, experiences and ways of solving problems.” — Gillian M. Cortez
