Addressing the Dual Challenges for Working Moms
In today's fast-paced work environment, juggling career and family life becomes increasingly complex, especially for working mothers. A recent survey conducted by AnyMaMa, a career support platform for working women in Tokyo, in collaboration with AuB, a company specializing in gut health, revealed that an overwhelming 97.3% of working moms feel that their children’s health affects their professional responsibilities.
The survey, which included 111 participants aged 20 to 50, sought to illuminate the underlying issues that cause this stress. An astounding 93.7% admitted that illness in their children directly disrupts their work performance, causing them to take unscheduled days off or experience anxiety regarding their evaluations and career trajectories. This reality underscores the critical need for supportive measures tailored to the unique circumstances faced by working parents, particularly mothers.
Key Findings
The research laid bare some of the challenges faced by these working moms:
- - Interruption of Work: Many respondents reported that their children’s health puts their jobs in jeopardy. Situations like dropping duties due to school absences for doctor’s appointments posed significant hindrances to productivity.
- - Mental Strain: "When I’m worried or anxious about my child’s well-being, I find it difficult to concentrate on work," shared a mother of three in her 40s. The emotional burden can cloud attention at work, leading to feelings of inadequacy.
- - Physical Health: Exhaustion from sleepless nights caring for sick children further compounds the issue, making it hard to maintain high performance at work. One mother noted, “When my children feel under the weather, I can’t help but constantly think about it, which hampers my focus.”
These voices represent a broader sentiment: the health of a child is often closely tied to the mental and physical state of the mother.
A Strategic Response: Wellness Programs
In light of these findings, AnyMaMa and AuB are launching a proactive wellness program designed to help mothers maintain their physical and mental health while managing family needs effectively. The initiative focuses on preventive measures, emphasizing the importance of gut health as it pertains to immune support, better sleep, and overall mental well-being.
Gut health plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological functions, and AnyMaMa is eager to introduce enjoyable, family-friendly activities that revolve around this principle.
Upcoming Events
To kick off this wellness initiative, AnyMaMa and AuB have planned two free online seminars during the summer vacation:
1. Family-Friendly Gut Health Workshop
Event Title: “Is Poop a Health Indicator? A Week-Long Miso Soup Challenge!”
Date: August 8, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (Zoom)
Details: This engaging session will cover the importance of gut bacteria, along with dietary suggestions on nurturing beneficial flora. Participants will receive an observable learning experience complete with a worksheet, aiming for an educational yet entertaining approach.
2. Enhancing Daily Routines
Event Title: “Moms' Self-Care Practices: Quick Posture and Gut Health Tips”
Date: September 4, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 12:50 PM (Zoom)
Details: This session will provide brief exercises and easy-to-implement gut health tips that working mothers can incorporate into their busy lives, facilitated by AuB’s representatives. Attendees will also learn about quick recipes to support the family’s health.
About the Companies
AnyMaMa: Founded in April 2017 in Tokyo, AnyMaMa aims to support working mothers through resources and flexible working solutions.
AuB: Established in October 2015, AuB focuses on gut health education and product development. Both organizations are committed to improving the health and well-being of families.
In Conclusion
By addressing the interplay between children’s health and mothers’ professional lives, AnyMaMa and AuB are paving the way for a healthier, more balanced approach to family and work. This wellness program not only promotes physical health but also seeks to alleviate the mental strain that working mothers often endure. As society shifts toward more inclusive and supportive frameworks for working parents, initiatives like these will play a pivotal role in creating a happier, more productive environment for families.
For more information, visit the AnyMaMa and AuB websites or their social media channels.