Glimpse inside Working Mother magazine with Suzanne Riss, Editor-in-Chief (part two)

March 19, 10:09 AMRomance ExaminerSally Painter

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Welcome back to the conclusion of my interview with one of the most talented and amazing working moms, Suzanne Riss, Editor-in-Chief of Working Mother magazine.  

Finding time or even the energy to infuse romance into our lives is something we tend to overlook or even neglect. Daily work and life's commitments place big demands on our time and without some effort to step back and take those special moments, romance can be lost. I asked Suzanne about many of these issues that challenge working moms. 

Sally: “Suzanne, you touched on the difference in the benefits offered by businesses that are part of the 100 Best Companies list Working Mother has been compiling over the years. Can you expound on that and some of the related issues working moms face?”

Suzanne: “Many working moms don't have the great benefits our 100 Best Companies offer. They may have limited unpaid maternity leave, and then a difficult time transitioning back to work if their employer doesn't let them return gradually. If they aren't allowed to flex their schedule, they may miss out on dropping off or picking up their child from school, not to mention school plays and other important events. The result is a lot of stress for working moms. More enlightened companies realize that work isn't someplace you go, it's something you do, and you can often do it from home as well as from the office. Working moms are often very hard on themselves and I urge them to knock a few things off their to-do list and take some time to relax.

I hope to see our government enact more legislation to support working moms. FMLA needs some improvements. Congress should require seven days of paid sick leave and at least eight weeks of PAID family leave.”

Sally: I would love to see those changes in the FMLA. This advocacy is a major aspect of Working Mother magazine. Besides it, what do you believe is the greatest benefit your magazine offers to the average working mom?”

Suzanne: We're a companion, a champion and a friend that offers real-life role models on our covers and real-life solutions to the challenges they face on every page.”

Sally: “I’ve always found Working Mother magazine to be inspiring and encouraging. What is the biggest change you've noticed in women's roles over the past ten years?”
     
Suzanne: “Women are taking on more leadership roles and we're climbing the corporate ladder. Many are also launching their own businesses and following their dreams. It's unfortunate that women are still not paid the same amount as men for doing the same work. Pay inequity remains a big obstacle.”
     
Sally: “Another form of discrimination against women that I’ve witnessed is of a more subtle variety – women being passed over for promotions. Many women have broken those gender glass ceilings, but there are still many obstacles. How do you see women's roles in the workplace and at home changing over the next ten years?”

Suzanne: I think dad's roles will keep evolving, which in turn will be a great help to working moms. Many successful women have work-from-home husbands. I hope to see more working moms enjoy flexible schedules, including at least one day of telecommuting. I believe the ranks of talented women in middle and upper management will burst through in the next decade because we can do the top jobs.”

Sally: “I read how many dads, who were laid off during the banking crisis have become stay-at-home dads. Moms and dads have so many commitments, I think it's important to remember the romantic aspect of their relationship. Working Mother often gives advice to readers on how they can create romantic moments between the demands of work and family life. Can you leave readers with a tip on how they can add a little romance into their lives?”

Suzanne: “I think working parents often feel like they're each doing more than their partner. That can lead to resentment, which isn't romantic. Instead, try to focus on what you appreciate about your partner -- what they are doing rather than what they aren't. Next, make sure you schedule time together without your kids. This could be a date night or a weekend getaway when you call up the grandparents to babysit. Make time for each other.” 

I’d like to thank, Suzanne for taking time out of her very busy schedule to give us a glimpse inside Working Mother magazine and for being such an outstanding role model and advocate for other working moms.

Be sure to visit Working Mother magazine for more inspiring stories and advice.

Missed part one? Read it here