In an effort to cut costs many companies are cutting back on family-friendly benefits such as paid family leave and flexible work schedules that let employees telecommute, work part time, and share jobs. This change is causing many working mothers to reconsider their decision to remain in the work force. Apart from cutting costs, some employers are reducing family-friendly programs because there is a perception that they lead to reduced job performance and productivity.
See "Some moms quit as offices scrap family-friendliness", Stephanie Armour, USA Today, May 3, 2004