Express Releases Mother’s Day Poll of Working Moms

Express Releases Mother's Day Poll of Working Moms

Poll Asks, "Would You Work If You Didn't Have To?"

72% Say "Yes," Compared to 80% of Fathers

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OKLAHOMA CITY, May 6, 2015 - Express Employment Professionals today released the results of a special Mother's Day survey of working moms.

Express polled working mothers, asking them "Would you work if you didn't have to?"

Of those surveyed, 72 percent said yes, they would work if they didn't have to, while 28 percent said they would not.

Express also polled working fathers, asking them the same question.

Among fathers, 80 percent said yes, they would work if they didn't have to, and 20 percent said they would not.

"It's fascinating to see the number of parents who would work outside the home for the love of the profession-and not just because they have to," said Bob Funk, CEO of Express and a former chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. "There's obviously a small difference between mothers and fathers in this survey, with fewer fathers saying they wouldn't work if they didn't have to. We'll leave it to others to tell us why that is. The bottom line for us at Express is that we believe if you want to work, you should be able to find work. However, too many mothers and fathers alike still can't find a job to meet their needs."

Fifty years ago, it wasn't common for mothers to be a part of the workforce, but that is no longer the case. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that 70 percent of women with children under 18 participate in the labor force. This equates to roughly 31 million working American mothers.

When comparing the years 1961-1965 with years 2006-2008, this change in the labor force becomes even clearer. In the 1960s, only 44 percent of first-time mothers worked during their pregnancy, while 66 percent of first-time moms worked during their pregnancies in the 2000s. Additionally, only 17 percent of women returned to work within a year of their first baby's birth in the 1960s, compared to 64 percent who returned to work in the 2000s.

"To all mothers who work tirelessly to support their families, Happy Mother's Day," Funk said.

About the poll: Express Employment Professionals polled 259 working mothers and fathers in May 2015 at the Express international headquarters in Oklahoma City and at their franchises throughout the United States. 

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If you would like to arrange for an interview with Bob Funk to discuss this topic, please contact Sherry Kast at (405) 717-5966.

About Robert A. Funk

Robert A. "Bob" Funk is chairman and chief executive officer of Express Employment Professionals. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, the international staffing company has franchises in the U.S., Canada and South Africa. Under his leadership, Express has put more than five million people to work worldwide. Funk served as the Chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City and was also the Chairman of the Conference of Chairmen of the Federal Reserve.

About Express Employment Professionals

Express Employment Professionals puts people to work. It generated $2.85 billion in sales and employed more than 456,000 people in 2014. Express ranks as the largest franchised staffing company and second largest privately held staffing company in the United States. Its long-term goal is to put a million people to work annually.