However, if the change captured by the 1997 survey is real, it may indicate firms' greater flexibility. Alternatively, attitudes within the work environment may have become more tolerant, leading to a greater percentage of new mothers asking for part-time schedules. More mothers may be better able to manage work and personal responsibilities and choose to stay in their career positions. As in 1993, maternity leave continues to be the most widely reported policy. This seems to occur most frequently in smaller firms.
Policies vary according to firm size.
As in other large organizations, large partnerships employing many people have a greater need for uniform standards to ensure that benefits are consistent throughout the firm. Consistent application is probably easier to accomplish in a small organization, even without formal written policies. A formal policy may mean all employees are treated the same, with little or no regard for individual circumstances. Without a uniform policy, the individual employee is vulnerable to the personal attitude of a supervisor and the employee's ability to negotiate the deal. Anecdotal evidence indicates supervisor support to be the most important factor for successful implementation of family-friendly policies.