Approximatliy 74,000 women lose their jobs each year due to pregnancy or maternity leave. At the time, I remember thinking about how shocking that statistic was, but this weekend it came up again while talking to friends who are currently experiencing this and I can't get it out of my head!
74000 per year!
For many women, maternity leave doesn’t just offer a break — it can lead to career derailment. Whether it’s being overlooked for promotions, feeling disconnected from career progression, or struggling to find a way back into the workforce, the transition after maternity leave is often anything but smooth. The lack of support can lead to burnout, disengagement, and ultimately, a loss of valuable talent — not just for the individual, but for businesses too.
Parental leave should be a time to bond and recover, not a career setback. It’s time to shift how we think about parenthood at work — where returning doesn’t mean starting over, and both mothers and fathers are equally supported.
How was your career affected by your parental leave?