The Struggles of Working Moms: Balancing Work and Family Life After Returning to the Office

As many working mothers transition back to their professional lives after maternity leave, they face an overwhelming challenge of juggling work, household responsibilities, and childcare. According to a recent survey conducted by Kao's Magiclean, a staggering 91.4% of these mothers reported feeling that life was particularly tough in the months immediately following their return, especially during May and June.

May: A Particularly Stressful Month

The survey revealed that over half (55.1%) of full-time and part-time employees in Japan, aged 18 to 59, have experienced feelings of stress and fatigue in May. This period can be especially draining as workers attempt to adjust to new environments and responsibilities. Many respondents mentioned physical and emotional exhaustion as symptoms during this crucial time. Environmental changes, whether in terms of job roles or personal circumstances, often lead to heightened levels of stress, making May a particularly challenging month for employees, especially those returning to work after a substantial break.

Moreover, for working moms who returned to the workplace in April, the exhaustion peaks as they try to navigate new routines both at home and in their professional settings. The survey indicated that 91.4% of these mothers felt that early returns specifically lead to intense feelings of fatigue about two to three months post-return, aligning perfectly with May and June.

Balancing Act: The Challenges of Work and Family

Almost unanimously, 99.1% of working mothers noted that balancing their job with household and childcare responsibilities has been rather challenging. Major factors contributing to this include the demands of picking up and dropping off children (32.6%) and adjusting work schedules when children fall ill (32.3%). Most women indicated that the workload intensified after the end of their working hours, leading to an overwhelming sense of fatigue.

One mother recounted her day: "I picked my child up from daycare, then went grocery shopping before returning home to deal with laundry from daycare while simultaneously preparing dinner. My evenings were consumed with these tasks, and by the time the child was asleep, I was incapable of doing anything except preparing for the next day."

These narratives illustrate the relentless pace of life that many working mothers endure.

The Longing for Relaxation

After strenuous days that merge both work and familial obligations, it's no surprise that many mothers yearn for a moment of solace to rejuvenate. The survey pointed out that the number one way working moms wished to unwind was by soaking in a warm bath (42.5%). However, 74.7% of respondents reported skipping baths for a quick shower because the daunting task of cleaning the bathtub had deterred them. Notably, 61.5% described scrubbing as being particularly burdensome, indicating that the struggle with household chores is significant enough to hinder self-care practices that could help them relax.

Conclusion: Embracing Help

In light of the survey findings, it is clear that working mothers need support not only at work but also at home. Balancing professional and personal responsibilities requires efficient strategies, and solutions such as simpler cleaning products can alleviate the burden. Kao's Magiclean promises to ease the strain with its new and improved cleaning products, enabling mothers to clean swiftly without compromising their well-deserved moments of relaxation. This speaks volumes about the importance of innovation in enhancing work-life balance.

For those looking to simplify their routines, there is a current campaign aimed at promoting a 'no-scrub' approach to bath cleaning called "Kosuran Day." It encourages busy moms to take a break and manage their home chores with ease while prioritizing their well-being. Interested individuals can find out more through Kao's campaign website.

It’s time for working moms to reclaim their time and peace of mind, one relaxing bath at a time.