Last week we heard that the planned legislation for paid maternity leave will be put on hold as a result of the global financial crisis.  Today the outlook for paid maternity leave is even more grim as news reports indicate that the issue is being pushed further and further on the backburner.

For over one quarter of mums in Australia paid maternity leave is really no big deal at all.  These women are not eligible for paid maternity for various reasons: they may not have been engaged in the workforce for at least 12 months prior to having their child; they may have been working on a contract, part-time or casual basis; they may have been self-employed; they may have been unemployed or out of the workforce altogether. 

Paid maternity leave aims to provide financial assistance to families at a time when life is most fragile: physically, emotionally and of course, financially.  Ironically, however, if paid maternity leave legislation comes into effect, it will not be of benefit to the women who need financial assistance the most .  Therefore these women will be likely to re-enter the workforce at a very early stage following childbirth in attempt to curb additional financial strain on their families.  A recent federal government-sponsored study showed that 1 in 10 mothers return to full-time work before their child's first birthday.

The opportunity for these mothers to telework would be a viable alternative to paid maternity leave.   Mums could start work earlier (i.e., soon after their baby is born) but because they would be saving much time and money by foregoing the commute aspect, they would be able to earn the same amount of money by working less days/hours.  This would also be kinder on their physical and emotional wellbeing, with less stress and being able to spend more time with their bubs.

I'm living proof : I started working only six weeks after I gave birth to my daughter earlier this year and I can tell you, if it wasn't for telework, I would not have been able to hold down a job at all.  I was physically weak from a very difficult pregnancy, so being able to work from home allowed my body to heal much quicker.  I could sleep longer and rest as I needed to, mainly around my newborn's routine.  I only worked a couple of hours a day, but without the burden of child care costs, commute and other expenses (and not to mention a corporate wardrobe!), my weekly income was pretty decent.

Aside from being able to contribute to the management of household bills working as a mum really boosts your self esteem.  It provides that 'adult' interaction, even if only via the phone or email.  Also, having a job I really enjoy gives me a real sense of community achievement.

So, for the women who are disappointed about the fading paid maternity leave scheme in Australia, I challenge you to try teleworking as a viable alternative.  Working shorter hours and/or fewer days is manageable with a young baby, when you can do it flexibly, from home.  The beauty of this is also that you maintain your skills, knowledge and employability whist taking a break from the office/workplace to be with your child.  You may want to return to your workplace when your child is a little older, but I bet you won't want to give up the countless benefits of working from home.