Many single women, who don’t have children are working longer hours than their coworkers who do have children.  In August 2011, a survey by the Center for Talent Innovation, found that 61% of women without kids, ages 33 to 47, believed that their parent colleagues received more flexibility at work.  “Singlism” according to social scientist, Bella DePaulo, Ph.D., “represents the myriad of ways that our culture rewards married couples.”  In her book, DePaulo looks at why companies continue to cater to their employees who are married with children when more than half of the workforce in the U.S. is single.  It seems that supervisors choose singles to work late or on longer projects because they assume that they have more time.  Consequently, single women are struggling to find the work-life balance in their lives.  Sensitivity and equality in the workplace to all employee needs is vital for a harmonious balance in the workplace. Since 43% of Gen X women and 77% of Gen Y women who do not have children, companies that adopt policies which support employees without children will be considered forward thinking and aware of the growing number of single, childless women on the job, according the the Center for Talent Innovation.

Is there a double standard at your workplace?  What do you think?