A think tank based in Singapore has found that working mothers in Southeast Asia prefer remote and flexible arrangements to help achieve work-life balance. The survey conducted by Milieu Insight offers insights into the behaviors and challenges faced by Southeast Asian women in the workforce.
Juda Kanaprach, co-Founder and CCO of Milieu Insight, highlighted the struggles faced by working Southeast Asian women, including balancing work and family commitments, self-care, and feelings of guilt when prioritizing work over personal responsibilities. Despite these challenges, the study found that working mothers in the region employ various strategies to navigate the complexities of their lives.
According to the survey, 68% of working mothers in Southeast Asia prefer flexible working arrangements, as many of them also take on significant household responsibilities. The report suggests that inclusive and supportive workplaces can create an environment where women can excel professionally while fulfilling their roles as mothers.
Among the countries in Southeast Asia, working mothers in Singapore and the Philippines showed the highest preference for flexible work setups. The report also noted that while balancing work and family commitments can be tough, many working mothers are adopting innovative time management techniques to integrate work and personal life.
The survey, which polled 3,000 working mothers across SEA, covered countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, and Thailand. The findings shed light on the challenges and strategies employed by working mothers in the region.
