Facilitating the retention of mothers in the gaming sector

Abstract

This study focuses on how the retention of mothers in the labour market can, specifically in the gaming industry, be facilitated after the birth of a child. The aim of the study is to explore factors that facilitate the retention of mothers, namely what leave and support networks they resort to once they have a baby. A number of books and journals were perused on this topic. Research provides insight on the evolving relationship of women and work, the role of mothers, the concept of family care and support networks, and the correlation of maternity leave and other family leave in relation to the workplace. In-depth interviews were conducted with 8 female informants working in the gaming sector, given that this is a new and expanding industry in Malta. An interpretivist and inductive approach was used to assess the relationship between the Time Bind theory with research and findings (Bryman, 2008, p. 380). The results acknowledge that there are several challenges around the experience of motherhood. However, to fulfil the aim of this study, a number of factors were identified which facilitate the retention of mothers and therefore ensure the return to employment after the birth of a child. The factors that facilitate the retention of mothers emerge from formal and informal policies at the place of work, the family network, and the motivation of the mother herself. This study also provided recommendations that can be taken at family, workplace and state levels to enable mothers to remain in employment.