9 Things I Would Do For Mom Employees If I Were a Boss

I wouldn't bother you with anything other than a simple "good morning" for your first 30 minutes in the office each day. You deserve some time to put your purse down, settle in, get coffee, go to the bathroom, and check your email before you're bombarded with tedious work conversations and tasks. This 30-minute buffer zone allows you the time and serenity needed to make the transition from mom to employee.

Dressing up for work can be really fun and empowering, but for a lot of people, it can be a hassle. I'd give employees the option to do away with that if they wish. One less thing for a mom to do in the morning is a bonus no matter how you look at it. Hell, I would take it one step further and make the company purchase, provide, and dry clean all uniforms for you.

Personal cell phones are for personal use. I won't ask for your number nor will I give you mine. We will not be texting buddies or keep in touch via email before 8 a.m. and after 5 p.m., because you have a life outside of work and so do I. If there is an urgent need to be in contact before or after hours, I'll provide you with a work cell phone and you will be compensated accordingly. Your time at home is precious.

Mondays suck, but I would have a special, enticing incentive: Monday morning raffles every week! Prizes would include manicures, visa gift cards, food and wine, and an extra PTO day.

Every desk would be accompanied by massage chairs, because who doesn't need a little kneading and rolling throughout the day? Sitting at a desk for hours at a time is terrible on the back for anyone, but even more so for moms who are lugging 30-pound children, sports equipment, and groceries around all day. Although I love the standing desk trend, I would much rather relax the back in a top-of-the-line massage chair while I work.

You unexpectedly need a day off or want to work from home because your kids kept you up all night? Absolutely. You got it. As long as your work is getting done and done well, you can come and go as you please. When your child is getting an award at school and you find out the day before, don't sweat it. Go to that awards assembly and cheer your butt off for your child. You should be there for every important milestone, award, and school performance. Family first, work second.

You need to use a sick day? Personal day? Vacation time? Go for it. I assure you I will not ask you one question. I will not inquire about your child's illness or drill you on what you did on your day off. When you tell me you need to take advantage of the benefit that is sick/personal time, I'll respect your boundaries and ask NO questions. I will not ask you to check email or be available to work from home either. End of story. You need the day off and you have the time accrued? Go for it. The rest is your personal business.

Breaks would be mandatory for full-time employees. My employees would take two 15-minute breaks or one 30-minute break each day to do as they please. These allow for time to adhere to any personal business that may need attention throughout the day, take a walk and get some fresh air, or simply put your head down and rest. Breaks are essential and something moms rarely get. You deserve it.

No one likes to work too hard on Fridays. In my world, Fridays are reserved for doing the absolute bare minimum. If it can wait until Monday, please, let it wait. Grown adults can prioritize and relax a little more than usual on Fridays, because work is hard and some of the pressure is off, even if only for a few hours.

It sounds great, doesn't it? Working moms basically have two full-time jobs. While massage chairs and weekly raffles may not be a realistic solution for the working mom struggle, we have to find a way to create balance in our lives. Don't wait for the boss to order you to take a break every day; ask for one when you need a breather. Put yourself on the top of your priority list for a change, because you certainly can't pour from an empty cup.