A new study conducted by Pregnant Then Screwed has shed light on the alarming state of discrimination faced by mothers in the workplace today. The research, which surveyed over 24,000 parents, in collaboration with Women In Data®, reveals distressing statistics that expose the challenges and biases that women encounter when they become mothers.
The most shocking revelation from the study is that approximately 1 in every 61 pregnant women reported that their boss suggested they terminate their pregnancy. Such suggestions are not only inappropriate but also constitute a severe form of discrimination that affects a significant number of expectant mothers in the workforce.
Joeli Brearley, CEO and founder of Pregnant Then Screwed, condemned this behaviour, stating that it is "sex discrimination and inhumane" and highlights the urgent need for workplaces to create an environment where pregnant women are treated with dignity and respect.
The discrimination experienced by women doesn't end with pregnancy; it persists through maternity leave and even on their return to work. More than half of all mothers (52%) have faced some form of discrimination during these stages. Shockingly, a distressing 64% of pregnant women shared that their boss or colleagues made hurtful comments about their physical appearance, showcasing the prevalence of body-shaming during pregnancy.
The repercussions of becoming a mother can be life-altering for some women. One in five mothers (19%) decided to leave their jobs due to negative experiences related to pregnancy or maternity leave. Additionally, 1 in 10 women (10%) experienced bullying or harassment during pregnancy or upon returning to work. Even more concerning, 7% of women lost their jobs due to various factors, including redundancy, sacking, or being compelled to leave because of rejected flexible working requests or purported health and safety issues. When extrapolated, this data indicates that up to 41,752 pregnant women or mothers may be unfairly terminated or made redundant every year.
The discrimination and prejudice faced by mothers are not confined to their employers alone; it often comes from their colleagues as well. A staggering 73% of women reported that a colleague had made hurtful comments about their pregnancy or maternity leave, while 74% said their colleagues insinuated that their performance had dipped due to these circumstances.
The study also exposed the dire lack of support for breastfeeding mothers in the workplace. Despite the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommending a suitable and private environment for breastfeeding, 90% of breastfeeding mothers said they were forced to use a toilet or were provided with no appropriate space for expressing milk.
Moreover, the discrimination isn't solely limited to women who choose to have children; women who make decisions related to their reproductive health also face unfair treatment. Approximately one-third of women (31.58%) who informed their employer about having an abortion felt that they were subsequently discriminated against or treated unfairly. Worryingly, the majority of women (57.6%) chose not to disclose their abortion to their employer, possibly due to fears of judgment and further discrimination.
The study's findings highlight the urgent need for significant changes in workplace culture and policies to eradicate discrimination against mothers and women in general. Employers must prioritise creating safe and supportive environments for pregnant women and working parents. Implementing anonymous reporting processes for discrimination claims and offering mental health support for affected employees are vital steps towards addressing this issue.
Furthermore, companies need to provide suitable and private spaces for breastfeeding mothers, adhering to the guidance from the HSE. Flexible working options and phased returns to work should also be made available for women who have had an abortion, recognising the physical and emotional toll it can take.
