Working Mothers Conquer Challenges in Columbus

Did you know that Columbus was ranked as the top city in America for working mothers in 2012? We all know that women face many challenges when it comes to being a working mother, but how does a city become one that is good for working moms? Many factors were examined, but Forbes says it is a combination of qualities that make this city No. 1 for moms in a world where mothers often face the dilemma of choosing between traditional motherhood and economic need. Luckily, improved opportunities for women and better workplace environments often mean that women can have the best of both worlds.

More than 70 percent of American women with children are in the labor force today. Three out of four working moms work more than 30 hours a week, while still finding time to spend with their kids. In 29 percent of two-person-income families, women are the primary breadwinners. There are many positive aspects of being a working mom, both financially and personally. Moms aren't the only ones benefiting from the work they do; families reap the benefits of working moms, too. Not only do these women provide financial security, which helps to alleviate daily stress between couples regarding regular expenses, but they also set wonderful examples for their children by being problem solvers who teach their children independence.

Building a career helps moms receive more adult interaction, compared to their stay-at-home counterparts. The time away from home often provides the woman with a sense of well-being that can make her happier and more stable. The added independence and security that working mothers feel depends on the work environment they experience. Working outside the home isn’t right for every woman, but many companies are trying to make it easier for those who choose to do so. Flexible schedules, paid maternity leave, onsite daycare and work-from-home opportunities help moms succeed in the workplace.

In Columbus, a city of more than 1.8 million residents, more than 44 percent of the workforce is women. Higher-than-average salaries and a high quality of living, based on high-ranking schools, an abundance of childcare options and excellent doctors, help make Columbus a great place for working moms to thrive. An unemployment rate of 5.7 percent, a low cost of living, and lower crime rates add to the attraction of this fantastic city. One of the most important concerns for working mothers is the time away from their families, so an average commute of 25 minutes in Columbus makes heading off to work a whole lot easier.

Working Mother's Magazine’s “2012 Working Mother 100 Best Companies,” also named several companies with a large presence in Columbus, to their list. Among these companies are:  Cardinal Health (a Columbus-based company), Abbott Nutrition, Deloitte, and PNC Bank.

Photo by Walker Evans, courtesy of http://www.ColumbusUnderground.com.