Working mothers are helping create a new niche for recruiters - placing professionals in flexible work arrangements, according to The Washington Post.

The traditional workplace model has left many mothers passed up for promotions and relegated to less time-sensitive, mundane work. For some, it has forced them out of the workforce altogether. According to one survey, 30 percent of mothers with MBA's have opted out of the workforce.

But many of these women want to continue working and can provide valuable experience and knowledge if allowed to do so on their own schedule.  For example, many parents can achieve the same results by working while their kids are sleeping at hours much earlier in the morning or later at night than the traditional workday. Some are even willing to take contract assignments with no benefits for this type of flexibility (note: this is not necessary when they take an assignment through a recruiter that uses a contracting back-office, such as Top Echelon Contracting, that provides benefits).

In light of this emerging need, some recruiting firms are building their business models around placing mothers in positions with fulfilling work that they can complete on their own schedules. These firms can negotiate contract assisgnments, consulting arrangements, telecommuting, part-time hours, and other flexible arrangements for those balancing work and family obligations.

Of course, as companies continue to run tighter ships in the wake of the recession, these arrangements can be equally as good for them.  We have written numerous times on how companies are utilizing more contractors because they don't want to commit to full-time employees, and they value the flexibility that contractors offer.  Sounds like these women who are hungry for flexible, challenging work could be the perfect match!

Debbie Fledderjohann is the President of Top Echelon Contracting, Inc.