MOMS keep busy trying to maintain a healthy work/life balance. The economic downturn has made it even more difficult to keep this balance.

Twelve per cent of working moms say their spouse or significant other have lost their job in the past year, according to a CareerBuilder.com survey that questioned 604 working moms. These job losses have taken a toll on home life — 67 per cent of respondents say it has caused more stress at home.

With companies eliminating positions in order to save money, many working moms are taking on more office responsibilities. In turn, they spend less time at home with their families. Forty-three per cent of working moms put in more than 40 hours per week at the workplace and 34 per cent take assignments home at least three days a week. Some workers (23 per cent) even have to work on projects during the weekends.

The longer workdays and increased workloads take away time with the kids. Only 18 per cent of moms spend at least two hours with their children each workday. And due to work, 29 per cent of respondents have been forced to miss at least two important events in their child’s life.

“The tough economy has taken its toll on family units and working moms are challenged with doing more with less time,” says Mary Delaney, president of Personified, CareerBuilder’s talent and consulting division, and a mother of three. “What we’re seeing from these moms is a great deal of resourcefulness and resilience as they provide for their families. While they may not be able to spend as much time with their children as they would like, working moms are making the most of the time they do have and getting creative in work arrangements.”

Although 30 per cent of moms are the main breadwinners of the family, it may not be their desired choice, according to a survey by Adecco Group North America, a recruitment and workforce solutions provider. It seems that more than half (52 per cent) of moms would prefer to stay at home if they had the resources to do so. Interestingly, 52 per cent of respondents grew up in a household with their mother as a working professional.

“These survey findings indicate more moms are torn between having a successful work life and family life,” says Rich Thompson, vice-president of learning and performance at Adecco Group North America. “What moms need to remember is they can have both, and today’s workforce offers a wide range of options.”

Delaney provides tips for moms trying to find a balance between work and home life:

* Interact with other working moms. It can be helpful to get tips from other working moms on how to best balance all of your responsibilities. A support network could be a great resource.

* Look into flexible working options. Most moms that try flexible schedules say it hasn’t impacted their careers in a negative way.

* Make a schedule. Create a plan in order to budget your time. Maintain one calendar for work and family plans to avoid double-booking. Schedule time for homework, playing, chores, etc.

* Use family time. Make your children the top priority when you are home. Wait to check your e-mail or messages until they go to bed.

* Plan to have “me time”. Working moms must make time for themselves. Plan to do an activity you enjoy, such as reading, walking, going to the gym, etc.

A work/life balance can be realistic, despite the harder economic times. Time management can come in handy.

— Creators News Service