Female workers - an untapped potential
Why are there so many female workers who would like to work more? Where are the obstacles and what do companies have to do to change that? This is not just about the discussion of women in cadre positions in Switzerland, but about all female workers. Is it even possible for women to make a full contribution to economic growth?
According to a study by SRF in 2014, 2 million women are employed in Switzerland, including 1.2 million part-time. 221'000 would like to work more and 101'000 would like to work. This potential is unexploited by the economy, and in order to change this, various factors would have to be adapted in Switzerland.
The difficulties can be found in the lack of part-time jobs (especially up to a maximum of 50%) in small nursery places and also in the high costs for these places. The prices soar with increasing income and thus with the employment of the mother. Unfortunately, it is often the case that the mother's part-time work does not pay for the costs of looking after the children, especially if there are several children, which means that this is not financially worthwhile for the family. Often, challenging activities (not just leadership positions) are always tied to full availability, and these structures need to be adjusted.
In concrete terms, this means companies have to adjust their working conditions. At the same time, politics must create the framework conditions that will strengthen the companies. Increased job sharing, flexible working hours, maternity and paternity leave and discounted places in crèches should be offered. These are all factors that help balance work and family life. At the same time, however, these more attractive working conditions also help the employer: they receive more applications and have lower recruitment costs!
Employee satisfaction also results in less staff turnover. More satisfied workers are proven to be more productive in their work, which the company can generally benefit from. If companies show greater flexibility, they can benefit from the often good training of women workers and can simultaneously counteract problems such as a lack of new talent.
When economic and political rethinking takes place, both families and employers can benefit from the new structures. This requires courage and openness of the companies, so that women are indeed increasingly given the opportunity to take on a new challenge and make a full contribution to economic growth.
