Recently, the Qingdao Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau in Shandong Province released the city’s first catalog of “Mom Jobs” (Phase I), urging job seekers to take note.

The term “Mom Jobs” is not new, as similar initiatives have previously been explored in Guangdong, Hebei, Heilongjiang, and other regions. The release of this employment directory in Qingdao marks another step forward in advancing job opportunities specifically designed for stay-at-home mothers.

190 Positions Offered by Seven Employers

According to reports, Qingdao City is actively implementing innovative “Mom Jobs” practices, aiming to provide flexible, adaptable, and meaningful employment opportunities that cater to stay-at-home mothers and similar groups. A review of the newly released catalog reveals a total of 190 job openings from seven employers. These positions span sectors such as catering, domestic services, and security services, with most roles being part-time or hourly-based work.

• Other Regions Are Also Soliciting Similar Jobs

On November 20, Yihe New District in Linyi, Shandong Province, issued a notice to the public seeking submissions for “Mom Jobs.”

The announcement specifies that these roles require flexible working hours, making them suitable for home-based employment. Examples include roles in customer service, e-commerce livestreaming, handicraft production, and content creation for social media platforms—jobs that balance family responsibilities and professional tasks.

Additionally, the district is soliciting positions with flexible schedules, moderate work intensity, and good working environments. These roles may include provisions for dual weekends off or accommodations for childcare, such as school drop-off and pick-up, and span technical, managerial, sales, and production-related positions.

• Shandong Rolls Out a Provincial “Mom Jobs” Initiative

The collection and publication of “Mom Jobs” in various parts of Shandong align with the province’s efforts to implement the Notice on Promoting the “Mom Jobs” Employment Model (hereinafter referred to as the Notice) issued by the provincial Department of Human Resources and Social Security in September.

The Notice defines “Mom Jobs” as employment opportunities suitable for women of legal working age who are responsible for raising children under 12 years old. These roles offer flexible working hours and management models, enabling women to balance their careers with childcare responsibilities.

The document further requires local human resources and social security departments to identify companies with strong capacities for hiring women and those already employing large numbers of mothers. These companies are to be included in a unified directory of “Mom Job” employers, with regular updates published on local public employment service platforms.

Ensuring Labor Rights for “Mom Jobs” Workers

The Notice emphasizes the importance of protecting the labor rights of employees in “Mom Jobs.” In cases where an employment relationship is established, both parties must sign a labor contract. Employers are required to negotiate flexible work arrangements with employees, refrain from forcing overtime, and accommodate leave requests for childcare needs. Any agreed-upon terms should be explicitly included in the labor contract and handled in accordance with relevant labor laws and regulations.

For new forms of employment relationships that do not fully meet the criteria for formal employment, a written agreement must be signed to clearly define the rights and responsibilities of both parties. If the relationship falls under civil law, it should be regulated and managed according to the Civil Code and other related legal provisions.

• Early Innovations in Zhongshan’s Electronics Industry in 2019

Reports indicate that as early as 2019, companies in Zhongshan City, Guangdong Province, pioneered the creation of special roles for “mom employees” to alleviate the pressures faced by women during their childcare years. In July 2022, Zhongshan introduced the Measures to Vigorously Promote the “Mom Jobs” Employment Model, offering support through employment policies, training initiatives, and tax incentives.

Since then, “Mom Jobs” have been adopted across various cities in the Pearl River Delta. In April 2023, Guangdong’s Department of Human Resources and Social Security released the Implementation Opinions on Promoting the “Mom Jobs” Employment Model to Facilitate Women’s Employment (Draft for Public Comment), encouraging employers to establish “Mom Jobs” to help mothers balance work and family responsibilities.

In August 2023, the Department of Human Resources and Social Security, along with the Guangdong Women’s Federation, issued a notice to formally roll out the “Mom Jobs” model across the province. This initiative focuses on fostering, serving, incentivizing, and protecting such roles to ensure the model’s effective implementation.

• Progress in Implementing “Mom Jobs” Across Regions

Significant advancements have been made in setting up and promoting “Mom Jobs” in various locations:

• Guangzhou: On January 30, 2024, the city’s human resources bureau released a directory of 58 companies offering “Mom Jobs.”

• Zhuhai: In May 2024, the city’s human resources bureau and women’s federation selected outstanding companies from its “Mom Jobs” directory to be recognized as municipal-level employment bases. These companies were awarded plaques and financial incentives—up to ¥200,000 in the first year and ¥100,000 in the second year, with a maximum of ¥300,000. Exceptional firms were also recommended for the “Women’s Role Model Post” awards.

• Hebei: In June 2024, the Women’s Federation of Hebei Province began piloting a new “Mom Jobs” model in Xingtai City as part of the provincial “Women’s Entrepreneurship and Employment Action” reforms. Through initiatives such as job creation, recruitment campaigns, and skills training, the program facilitated the employment or entrepreneurship of over 25,000 women. These efforts included innovative approaches like shared domestic service programs in the home care sector.

• Continued Exploration and Refinement Needed

Commentators note that Qingdao’s first “Mom Jobs” directory represents more than just employment—it signifies recognition and respect for stay-at-home mothers. By aligning with corporate needs, “Mom Jobs” create a win-win situation that fuels their ongoing promotion and development.

However, challenges remain. Ensuring the quality and quantity of job offerings, balancing corporate costs and benefits, and refining policies and regulations are critical issues that require continued exploration and improvement in practice.