Are you suffering from Superwoman Syndrome?
Striving for, if not always achieving, a work/life balance is important for many employees, but particularly for women who have childcaring responsibilities. A ‘‘Superwoman’’ strives for success in all areas of her life, managing multiple roles as a professional, wife, mother and friend. The phrase was coined by Marjorie Hansen Shaevitz, in her book The Superwoman Syndrome. We try so hard to fulfil our various roles, but why is it so fraught with difficulties?
It is society and ourselves that are Superwoman’s Kryptonite. Never before has there been such a unique pressure placed on women to be equally perfect in every role they undertake. This can be extremely stressful as our loyalties and emotions are pulled in different directions. A Superwoman must often fight the demands of insensitive employers, inadequate childcare resources, the needs of our families and the inevitable and frequent requirement to be in two places at once.
Of course it is not just women who are affected by this Syndrome, but husbands and children too, making it all the more important to take control.
Whether your motivation for being a Superwoman is wanting to feel accomplished, financial security, striving for perfection or having a tendency towards people-pleasing, it doesn’t have to be this way! Employers must recognise the part they need to play in facilitating and supporting women achievers in the workforce, and in aiming towards a level playing field in equality of opportunity.
As an employee, you have more legal rights than you may be aware of. The law has changed in recent years to give women more access to that work/life balance that we so desire.
If you are a working mother, or a mother who is thinking of going back to work but are unsure of your employment rights, contact the Employment Team at Gelbergs 020 7226 0570 and ask for Emmajane Taylor-Moran or Jane Manville.
Gelbergs Solicitors is based in Islington, London N1 and offers comprehensive legal advice on employment law issues. We would be happy to hear from any employees who are facing difficulties arising from flexible working, time off to care for children, returning from maternity leave, paternity leave or adoption leave, part-time working, or who feel they are being treated differently to members of the opposite sex in the workplace, including being paid less for the same or similar job.
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