Child-Free Shouldnt Mean Different Treatment at Work

March is Women’s History Month. It has been over 172 years since the Women’s Rights Convention in Seneca Falls, and I want to take the time to thank the women who came before me who have given me the freedom to make my own choices. 

I am not facing limited roles, and in a world where women see images of motherhood everywhere and it feels that the reason for our entire existence is to procreate, I was able to choose otherwise.

Growing up, I played with dolls and babysat neighborhood children. But I never thought about having a child of my own. I actually get along great with children, but having my own was never an innate and unconditional feeling in me. Once married, my mother-in-law continually asked when we were having children, followed by my response that I did not think we would.  I am sure she did not believe me, leading to a clash of values since I was not following the norms set up for women. 

As time went on, I think people assumed we were unable to have children until the phrase “child-free by choice” came along. It defined our decision not to have children.

I do not have the financial or time obligations that parents have, allowing me to have traveled to six of the seven continents and 39 out of over 190 countries. Although I live my life fully, the work world often shows bias against child-free employees. Parents often get flexible schedules, childcare and parental leave; people understand when they have to stay home for an ill child, leave for their kid’s sporting match or school meeting. 

While the parents head home, the child-free colleagues remain, often taking on more of the company workload. We often are the ones looked at to work on holidays or to come in on weekends because we do not have children. For some reason, there is greater expectation as our lives seem less meaningful and more flexible.

COVID-19 put incredible burdens on parents with home schooling, children cooped up for months, and trying to carve out work life from home life. Although parents have been under incredible stress, being child-free does not mean stress-free lives. Assuming that only parents are struggling through this pandemic and facing more stress is inaccurate. Stress, anxiety and fear has increased for everyone, as the future is uncertain and a lot are dealing with challenges in addition to the pandemic. 

Employers need to look at all their employees and take active steps to ensure inclusivity for all. Ensuring flexible hours for all employees, if possible offering sabbatical leave for child-free employees and genuinely trying to accommodate all employees will lead to a much more fulfilling and rewarding work environment for everyone. 

Nancy Peltonen serves as President/CEO with The Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce. She also serves on a committee for the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast, while always finding time to volunteer with local organizations and travel the world.

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