10 Things Every Working Mum Needs at Work
Supporting working mums is something that matters every day of the year. Whether it’s being seen, heard, or simply given the space to breathe, every mother deserves a workplace that recognises her efforts—and backs her up. In a world where appreciation is often tied to special occasions, like Mother's Day, it’s easy to forget that the real support mums need goes beyond just one day. Sure, flowers are lovely. But for many working mums, what they really crave this Mother’s Day isn’t in a bouquet. It’s in the everyday moments—where their efforts are seen, their challenges acknowledged, and their needs truly supported.
A recent study found that 42% of working mothers in Singapore struggle to prioritise their own well-being while juggling the relentless demands of work and family. More than half are asking for better leave policies and stronger support structures in the workplace.
What’s even more telling? 90% of working mothers in Singapore say that flexible work hours or remote work options would significantly improve their ability to balance both personal and professional responsibilities. These aren’t outlandish requests—they’re reasonable, practical shifts that can make a meaningful difference. The numbers speak volumes: what working mums truly need from their workplace isn’t just celebration, but real recognition, respect, and care from the environments they spend most of their time in.
So let’s go beyond the flowers and dive into what working mums genuinely need to feel appreciated, supported, and seen—on Mother’s Day, and every day after.
The Reality of the Working Mum Life
Behind every smiling, multitasking mum is a mental checklist a mile long. The mental load for a working mother refers to the often invisible, unpaid, and emotional labor of managing everything—from coordinating school runs and keeping up with house chores to remembering appointments, birthdays, and whether there’s enough milk in the fridge. And all of this happens while meeting work deadlines and staying on top of career demands.
This constant juggling act can take a real toll—here’s how:
Energy: The emotional and physical strain of balancing roles often leaves working mums feeling exhausted before the day even begins.
Mental Health: Burnout, anxiety, and overwhelm are common, especially when support is lacking and expectations are sky-high.
Eating Habits: Skipped meals, rushed snacks, or emotional eating become routine when mealtime is an afterthought.
Physical Well-being: Lack of sleep, limited time for exercise, and chronic stress can lead to long-term health issues, including fatigue, hormonal imbalances, and heart-related concerns. That’s why physical activity during the workday matters.
This isn’t about guilt; it’s about awareness. When we recognize the heavy mental load and its effects on energy, nutrition, and overall health, we can finally offer the support that matters. For a deeper look at how unaddressed stress and poor mental health impacts organizations, Check out our blog here and learn why investing in employee wellbeing pays off for everyone.
So, What Do Working Mums Actually Want?
Forget the basic gifts for working mums you saw on social media—flowers or mother’s day cards. If we’re serious about supporting working mums, it starts with listening to what they truly need. These 10 things come up time and time again—and the best part? They’re realistic, actionable, and can be woven into everyday work culture, not just celebrated once a year.
1. Time to Recharge
Even 10 minutes of uninterrupted quiet, a proper lunch break, or a moment to breathe can help mums reset and feel more present—both at work and at home.
2. Permission to Prioritize Themselves
Mums are often expected to put others first. A supportive workplace culture encourages them to take care of their own needs, too—without guilt.
3. Real Acknowledgement
A sincere “You’re doing an amazing job” from a boss or coworker matters more than you think. Recognition doesn’t have to be formal—it just has to be real.
4. Offer Help Without Judgement
Sometimes the best support is subtle. Offering to help with a task or take notes in a meeting can make a big difference, especially when it’s offered with kindness, not pity.
5. Workplace Support
Companies can actually give something to working mums that actually meet their lifestyle—like short, on-demand workouts, healthy snack ideas, or realistic mindfulness tools.
6. Flexible Work Arrangements
Remote work, staggered hours, or shorter meetings give working mums the space to handle both work and life with less stress and more control.
7. Childcare Support
Whether it’s on-site childcare or financial assistance for external services, having help with childcare makes the workday smoother—and shows that the company understands the full picture.
8. Comprehensive Parental Leave Policies
Going beyond the bare minimum for paid leave—and offering inclusive, gender-equal policies—shows commitment to both family and fairness.
9. Mental Health and Wellness Programs
Access to mental health support, like therapy or stress management tools, helps mums feel emotionally safe and valued at work. Learn more about wellness programs for your company here.
10. Career Development Opportunities
Opportunities to grow—through mentorship, training, or promotions—send a clear message: you’re not just a working mum, you’re a professional with potential.
So, how many of these ten supports have you already offered to the working mums on your team? Recognizing and addressing these needs is key to genuine support, yet not every action delivers real impact. Companies must move past gestures that only look thoughtful and focus on initiatives that change day‑to‑day life. If your answer to the question is “not many,” this is the perfect moment to start. In the next section, we’ll explore the difference between performative gestures—those that look good in theory—and truly supportive actions that foster lasting change for working mums.
Performative vs. Supportive Gestures
When it comes to supporting working mums, there's a big difference between performative gestures and supportive ones. Performative actions, like one-time “pamper hours” or generic Mother’s Day e-cards, might look good on social media, but they don’t address the real, day-to-day needs of working mums. These quick fixes are often shallow and lack follow-up. In contrast, supportive gestures go beyond surface-level appearances and provide genuine, meaningful support that makes a lasting impact. This can include things like flexible work arrangements, offering ongoing childcare support, and creating a work culture that respects boundaries. The key difference lies in the authenticity and long-term benefits of supportive actions, which truly help improve the work-life balance of working mums.
CONCLUSION
It's crucial for both leaders and peers to show appreciation for working mums through genuine, ongoing support rather than surface-level gestures. For this seasonal day like Mother’s Day, and beyond,or any other day you feel like you want to appreciate and celebrate working mums, let’s focus on creating environments that allow mums to thrive—through meaningful actions that provide real value. Give working mums what they really need—space to breathe, tools to thrive, and the freedom to care for themselves, too. At FITFAMCO, we specialize in providing personalized wellness solutions that cater to both individual and corporate needs. Whether you're looking to enhance employee wellness, introduce flexible wellness programs, or create a supportive workplace culture, we're here to help.
Ready to implement real support working mums in your workplace? Let FITFAMCO guide you on building a nurturing, wellness-driven environment for your team.
