New mothers seek greater workplace flexibility

An analysis conducted by Anker eufy on women returning from maternity leave reveals significant shifts in professional attitudes. Three out of four new mothers have considered reducing their working hours, changing occupations, leaving their jobs, or seeking more flexible roles following the birth of a child.

According to the study, 85% of respondents reported that childbirth significantly alters the meaning they attribute to their professional lives. Specifically, 34% considered reducing hours, 17% contemplated a career change, and 13% thought about leaving employment altogether. However, if economic and organizational constraints were removed, over 70% of new mothers would choose to continue working. Among them, 45% expressed a desire to maintain their current employment with increased flexibility, while 26% preferred a temporary reduction in commitment during the child's early years.

The primary challenge identified is time management, with 42% citing the difficulty of balancing work schedules with childcare. More than 60% of respondents identified flexible hours, smart working, or hybrid models as priority solutions. Support in the workplace remains low, as only 12% of women feel highly supported upon their return, while nearly 40% feel little to no support.