heard of this myth?

im talking about the one about single employees

August 19, 2024

🌟 Today’s Reveal: Panel 2 | AIxHR Conference

Panel 2: Navigating the AI in HR Terrain: Ethics, Regulations, Compliance 

📝 AI is taking over HR, and it's both exciting and scary! This session is about making sure we use AI the right way. Our panelists will talk about the ethical side of things, like 

  • understanding and navigating the associated regulatory requirements,

  • establishing responsible AI practices, and

  • ensuring compliance with current and future regulations

Debunking This Workplace Myth | Insights from Our Readers

Last week, we asked our readers, “Do single employees without dependent children have more time to dedicate to work?” The results were clear: 58.75% of you said False, challenging this common assumption. 🤯

At first glance, it might seem like single employees should have more free time. But our readers’ feedback paints a much more complex picture. Here’s what they had to say:

One reader, Janet, didn’t hold back in expressing her frustration with this common myth:

"This comment makes me crazy when people say it. Single people also do not have anyone else to help with errands, or shopping, or making meals, taking the car in, dry cleaning, pet care, etc. They have nobody to share with so they need just as much personal time. Having a child or a spouse does not make you less capable and not having these things does not mean you have additional time. It is a very unfair assumption." - [Janet] 😤

Another reader, Shayna, highlighted the unfair expectations this myth can create:

"If someone without children CHOOSES to dedicate more time to work, they probably have more available time to do so, but those without children should not be expected to pick up the slack for those who chose to have them. It is not anyone's responsibility but the parent’s to determine how to best balance their work with their kids." - [Shayna] 🙅‍♀️

These insights from our readers show that the assumption about single employees having more time is not just inaccurate—it’s unfair and harmful. Everyone has different responsibilities, and just because someone doesn’t have kids doesn’t mean they have a ton of free time.

The Real Impact

This myth can lead to very real and very serious consequences in the workplace. One reader shared a story that really drives this home:

"When I was promoted to a supervisor's position in manufacturing, I asked my manager why I wasn't offered the same wage as others who had been in this job. He replied that I was younger and single and didn’t need as much money since I didn’t have a family to provide for. Total bull, and it's always made me think less of him." - [J. Crowley] 😡

This story shows how this myth can affect everything from workload to pay. It’s a reminder that we need to challenge these assumptions to create a fairer workplace.

Another reader added to the conversation with a broader perspective:

"Just because someone doesn’t have children, doesn’t mean you should expect them to have more time for work. People without children still have lives outside of work. Everyone should dedicate the hours they are paid for to work and should not be expected to give any more." - [T. Baker] 👏

This highlights a crucial point: work-life balance is important for everyone, regardless of their family status. We need to respect everyone’s time and boundaries.

One reader emphasized the importance of recognizing the diversity of personal responsibilities:

"Just because single employees don't have children does not mean they don't have other obligations like school or perhaps an ailing parent, or a pet with special needs. Even more important, a life outside of work to decompress so that they're ready to come back to the stresses of work." - [N. Simic] 🧠

Another reader offered a personal reflection that truly resonates:

"Everyone has their own story and caregiving is caregiving - no matter the age or relationship. Imagine being married and not having children, or in my case, single but having a 98-year-old I care for. My 98-year-old grandmother lives with me, and I’ve been caring for her for 10 years. She’s 98, going on 1. Regression makes her childlike. Why doesn’t this matter to the government or employers in the same way a child would?" - [Carter] 💔

These comments remind us that everyone’s situation is unique, and we need to approach workplace expectations with empathy and understanding.

What should we cover next?

🤔 We want to hear from you! What workplace myths or topics should we tackle in our next newsletter?

August 2024 | What's Happening at TSOW: AIxHR?

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Today’s HR Reads for You 📚️

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