In a compelling panel discussion titled “Challenges Women Face Before and After Maternity Leave,” the multifaceted issues surrounding women’s return to the workforce post-maternity are explored.
The video included insightful information shared by panel members that included SightsIn Plus Editor-In Chief Romesh Srivastava, Gauri Das, SVP and Head HR, India Factoring and Finance Solutions and Pooja Tiwari, Head-People & Culture, OnGrid.
The discussion sheds light on the emotional, professional, and societal challenges that many women encounter during this transitional phase as below.
1- Emotional and Psychological Toll
Returning to work after maternity leave is not merely a logistical challenge; it’s an emotional journey.
Many women grapple with feelings of guilt, anxiety, and self-doubt. The pressure to balance professional responsibilities with new motherhood can be overwhelming.
This emotional strain is compounded by societal expectations and the often-unspoken assumption that women should seamlessly resume their roles without missing a beat.​
2- Professional Setbacks and Career Progression
One of the significant challenges highlighted is the potential stagnation or regression in a woman’s career trajectory post-maternity leave.
Despite legal protections, subtle biases can influence promotion decisions, project allocations, and perceptions of commitment.
The video emphasizes the need for organizations to recognize and mitigate these biases to ensure that maternity leave does not become a career setback.​
3- Workplace Support and Policy Implementation
The role of organizational support is paramount.
Companies that implement comprehensive return-to-work programs, flexible scheduling, and provide resources such as childcare support can make a significant difference.
The video advocates for proactive communication between employers and returning mothers to address concerns and set realistic expectations.​
4- Societal Perceptions and Cultural Norms
Beyond the workplace, societal perceptions play a crucial role in shaping a woman’s return to work.
Cultural norms that idealize the “supermom” or stigmatize working mothers can add layers of pressure.
The discussion calls for a broader societal shift to value and support the dual roles many women undertake.​
Watch Full YouTube Video Here:
Guidelines for a Smoother Transition After Maternity Leave
To facilitate a more supportive environment for returning mothers, the video suggests several strategies:​
- Flexible Work Arrangements: Allowing part-time schedules or remote work options can ease the transition.​
- Mentorship Programs: Connecting returning mothers with mentors who have navigated similar experiences can provide guidance and reassurance.​
- Regular Check-ins: Scheduled meetings between managers and returning employees can address concerns and adjust workloads appropriately.​
- Awareness Training: Educating all staff about the challenges of returning mothers can foster a more empathetic workplace culture.​
Career Challenges After Maternity Leave: Survey
To gauge broader sentiment around maternity leave and job security, a LinkedIn survey conducted by us offered some stark insights. The poll posed a direct question:
Are women at risk of losing their jobs after Maternity Leave?
The responses were telling—a staggering 64% of participants answered “Yes”.
- 15.5% of respondents believe women have a 25% risk of losing their jobs
- 22.0% of respondents believe women have a 50% risk of losing their jobs
- 26.5% of respondents believe women have a 75% risk of losing their jobs
The Linkeding Survey results indicate a widespread belief that maternity can indeed jeopardize a woman’s job security or career progression.
The result highlights a systemic issue that transcends individual organizations, pointing to a deeper, often unspoken concern embedded within corporate and societal mindsets.
While policies might exist to protect women’s rights during and after maternity leave, the perception—shared by a vast majority—is that these policies are either insufficient or poorly implemented.
The results of this poll add statistical weight to the emotional and anecdotal narratives discussed in the video, underscoring the urgent need for cultural and policy-driven change.
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