Mom Sparks A Debate If Employees Should Be Treated Differently When It Comes To Time Off Depending On Whether They Have Kids Or Not

"Since the job market is now very hot, employees have more options and more leverage. If the workplace environment doesn't improve after you bring up an issue, then most definitely look for a better fit elsewhere. Job hoppers are getting paid healthy premiums in this market," financial expert Sam, who created the Financial Samurai project, told Bored Panda that workers should realize they have an advantage in the current job market.

I was also interested to get Sam's take on how we can talk ourselves into relaxing over the holidays if we're used to working lots and might feel guilty about taking some time off. He said that we should look at this as an opportunity to recharge and gather our strength for the long road ahead.

"The best time to actually unwind is when your co-workers and your bosses unwind. That means during Christmas and other major holidays. Your boss will be busy spending time with their family and won't notice your absence as much. Another good time to take a break is the period right after year-end bonuses are decided," the expert said.

"Generally, 1Q is the busiest and most important time of the year. The more you can recharge during the winter holidays, the stronger you can come back and make things count when they count the most!" Sam explained that we should get ready for the first financial quarter.

The mom’s post on Mumsnet got quite a bit of attention online and in the media. It reminded people of the fact that, in some companies, employees who have children can sometimes get to call the shots when it comes to picking first when they’ll be going on vacation. What’s more, this preferential treatment can extend to better shift times and even getting to pick up extra shifts for additional income, too.

In short, some managers tend to give preference to workers who are most like them. If your boss has kids, odds are that they’ll be more sympathetic towards employees who are raising children of their own. However, this shouldn’t be an excuse for discrimination against workers who don’t have children (or choose not to, embracing the childfree lifestyle).

Eddy Ng, the Smith Professor of Equity & Inclusion at Queen’s University, formerly the James and Elizabeth Freeman Professor of Management at Bucknell University, told me some time ago that employers (this includes managers and HR) can be held responsible for inaction if there is discrimination at the workplace. For instance, if you find that you or a colleague of yours suffer from derogatory comments, you might want to consider making a human rights complaint.

"If repeated complaints about the toxic workplace to the manager or HR fall on deaf ears, then it is indicative that the employer is not taking the concern seriously and it's the cue that you should switch employers/workplace," the professor told Bored Panda.

The expert noted, however, that we should be on the lookout for signs the company is making positive changes and responding to employee feedback. “If management makes an effort for change, then it would be an opportunity to assist with that change,” he said that some organizations are addressing systemic discrimination and are engaging with employees while others aren’t.

"Generally, it is easier to look for another job while you are still in one, so you don't have to explain gaps in employment or past problems with a prospective employer," the professor said that we have to be strategic about how we switch jobs if we find ourselves in a constantly toxic environment.

However, he also pointed out that switching careers can be an opportunity to take some time off, “take stock, engage in career planning, and exploration and transition to new careers.” In other words, whether or not you choose to immediately jump into a new job or need some time to focus on a new plan depends entirely on your unique circumstances.

Bored Panda has touched on the topic of employees with and without families just last week in an article right over here that might interest you when you’re done reading this one.