October 19, 2009
Childless women should be allowed to take maternity leave, allowing them time off from the workplace. But before you all shout at Guru, it's not his idea, but the latest ridiculous employment law proposal to emerge.
But of course it wouldn't be 'maternity' leave, as there are no kids involved.
A study commissioned by Red magazine found the majority of women were in favour of being allowed to take a six-month 'break', or even longer, as mothers are entitled to do when they give birth.
Guru reckons a lot of new mums might object to a six month maternity stint being labelled a 'break'. In Guru's eyes, actually coming back to work is more of a break.
Fiona Jennings, a senior employee with a high-street retailing chain, is 37 and does not have children, was one of the women who took part in the survey.
She says (rather too forcefully, Guru feels): "I made a conscious decision not to have children and that was the right decision for me. My career has always been as important as my home life. (Before staring wistfully at a passing pram).
Anyway, don't these breaks already exist? They're called sabbaticals aren't they? The idea has been called "stupid" by one leading lawyer. Guru is inclined to agree.
But of course it wouldn't be 'maternity' leave, as there are no kids involved.
A study commissioned by Red magazine found the majority of women were in favour of being allowed to take a six-month 'break', or even longer, as mothers are entitled to do when they give birth.
Guru reckons a lot of new mums might object to a six month maternity stint being labelled a 'break'. In Guru's eyes, actually coming back to work is more of a break.
Fiona Jennings, a senior employee with a high-street retailing chain, is 37 and does not have children, was one of the women who took part in the survey.
She says (rather too forcefully, Guru feels): "I made a conscious decision not to have children and that was the right decision for me. My career has always been as important as my home life. (Before staring wistfully at a passing pram).
Anyway, don't these breaks already exist? They're called sabbaticals aren't they? The idea has been called "stupid" by one leading lawyer. Guru is inclined to agree.
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Comments (3)
As a mother, I must agree that maternity leave isn't a "break." It's hard to even take a shower most days.
But if childless women should get a break, then men should too right? And then mothers should get a break that doesn't include constant feedings and diaper changes...
When would it end?
Posted by Darcy | October 19, 2009 3:32 PM
Posted on October 19, 2009 15:32
Absolutely ridiculous! Do these people come up with these proposals just to keep themselves in their jobs? Surely they can’t be serious?! And women wonder why there are still issues with men v women in the workplace, what do they expect when they come up with stupid ideas like this!
Posted by Jody | October 19, 2009 4:00 PM
Posted on October 19, 2009 16:00
Sabbaticals are about a "new way of working." Companies who have these programs do so because they provide a bottom-line benefit - productivity, higher performance, talent development, creativity.
Thinking of sabbaticals as a a break you are entitled to is a very out-dated, old school way of thinking.
Sabbatical programs are growing and the trend is positive for individuals, teams and companies.
Posted by Barbara | October 20, 2009 3:59 PM
Posted on October 20, 2009 15:59