Nearly all (97.5 per cent) of working mothers say they would stay longer at a company that meaningfully supports working motherhood, according to a new survey by Executive Moms.
The survey, which polled more than 470 working mothers internationally, found 40 per cent leave their job after having a baby when company support falls short, and of those mothers who leave, nearly 30 per cent do so in the first three months and 65 per cent do so within the first year.
Three-quarters (77 per cent) of respondents said they felt pressure to perform as if they don’t have kids and only 26 per cent felt emotionally supported by their team. Only 33 per cent felt they have equal access to promotions compared to peers without children.
Read: Survey finds 15% of new mothers lost employment while on parental leave
Notably, 69 per cent of mothers felt unprepared for the transition back to work and 50 per cent reported experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety symptoms.
More than two-thirds (68 per cent) said their manager had the single biggest impact on whether their return to work was positive or negative, and only 35 per cent felt safe discussing family needs with their manager or human resources.
Regardless of how much paid leave was taken, 63 per cent of mothers identified flexible work design as the most impactful systemic change for improving the sustainability of working motherhood, with 76 per cent valuing it over compensation.
The majority (89 per cent) of respondents agreed that motherhood reshapes professional identity, often strengthening leadership capability and prioritization. Also, 78 per cent reported motherhood made them better leaders, citing stronger prioritization, judgment and focus.
Read: 66% of Canadian working mothers only considering flexible roles in 2025: survey