Work-family conflict and available support for mothers in the private sector : implications for fertility intentions

Abstract

At 1.06 births per woman, the Maltese population falls into the ‘lowest-low’ category and is not being replenished. This is concerning and has broad implications. This study seeks to look at work-family conflict and supporting measures in first-time mothers' childbearing decisions and what would encourage them to have another child. The data was captured through semi-structured interviews and was analysed using the Thematic Analysis approach. The informants consisted of eight mothers who have one child under the age of five who are involved in office-based jobs in the private sector. The study revealed that mothers’ work-family conflict is influenced by multiple factors, with comprehensive support measures emerging as a key element in easing this conflict and positively influencing their fertility decisions. Whilst experiencing increased time pressure and role strain at the onset of motherhood, overall, the mothers expressed dissatisfaction with the level of support provided by the current work-family policies. These challenges were further exacerbated by the short duration of maternity leave, the absence of formal leave when their child is unwell and a convoluted, restrictive parental leave policy with low compensation. Respondents also indicated that limited job autonomy, lack of flexibility and financial struggles, which were amplified by insufficient policy compensation, did not encourage them to consider having more children. The mothers demanded that maternity leave be extended to allow adequate bonding time between mother and baby and emphasised the need for the introduction of formal leave for a sick child to decrease their work-family conflict. They yearned for greater job autonomy, better access to flexible working arrangements, improved financial compensation and longer, better-paid work-family policies. Shorter or compressed work weeks were also mentioned as a means to alleviate time pressure. The study indicates an urgent need for comprehensive, generous and practical support measures that can reduce work-family conflict and encourage mothers to consider having a second child.