Uncertainty and angst has swept the world over the past week:  the fear of a global recession, banking fallouts and plummeting stock markets.  With business confidence levels following suit it only stands to reason that mums in the workforce (or those planning to re-enter) will be feeling the pressure too.  With such a dark cloud looming, how can working mums find that silver lining ?

Although mums can often experience workplace inequalities such as reduced opportunities for promotion it usually stems from mums' preference for part-time or casual employment.  In an economic downturn part-time or casual workers are usually preferred in order to curb business operating costs.  This reduces business expenses such as superannuation, insurance and wage costs.  It also frees up workspace and infrastructure, enabling organisations to utilise these for multiple employees instead of just one.

There are currently over 2.4 million Australians working from home.  For many mums working from home is a utopian choice; much desired work/ family balance is achieved whilst cutting back on commute and other work-related costs.  In any economic climate teleworking for mums makes workforce participation more viable.  However, for more difficult times teleworking is a saving grace.

Therefore issues that were once considered barriers to mums' careers are now emerging as competitive advantages in the workforce.