When asked what their families could be doing better or more of, women identify the following:

Be more helpful around the house (24 percent)
Be more understanding of their work schedule (15 percent)
Take on more child care responsibilities (9 percent)

In terms of what employers can do to help women balance their lives more effectively, women identify:

Better benefits (27 percent)
Flexible time (24 percent)
Sick/family emergency days (21 percent) and vacation time (18 percent)

"Over the last 60 years, women have been entering the workforce in greater numbers. However the reality is that they still generally take on the lion's share of household responsibilities, whether it is acting as primary caregiver for the children, doing housework or generally playing the role of chief operating officer of the family," says Julie Barker-Merz, President, BMO InvestorLine and Head of BMO's Women in Wealth Committee. "Our study clearly indicates that many women are struggling with balancing their home and work lives and are seeking the active support of their spouses, children and employers in helping them do so."

Instant Insights /

Women seek better benefits to help achieve work-life balance

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