Working mothers face higher standards at work, report finds

As a result, 63% of working mothers admit to hiding family matters at work to appear more committed. This is also the case for 51% of men.

“Instead of being able to integrate work and family roles openly, many parents feel they must cover up a central part of their lives to maintain credibility in their careers, reinforcing how strongly workplace culture shapes behaviour,” the report read.

And with return-to-office policies expanding in workplaces, 10% of women said they would specifically put off or reconsider starting a family.

Demand for alternative work arrangements

According to the report, 72% of parents said flexible working hours and schedules would help them the most in work-life balance.

Nearly three in four women (74%) said they would benefit from flexible working hours. Another 66% of women said they would find support in remote or hybrid work options.