The report, based on insights from thousands of working parents, found that 84% of mothers have experienced gender or motherhood-related discrimination, and 75% feel negatively about the impact of having children on their careers. A key issue remains the lack of genuine flexibility, with nearly 70% of mothers saying they have had to forgo promotions due to their parental responsibilities.
Flexibility: An Unmet Need
Despite flexibility being a top priority for 9 out of 10 working mothers, many report a disconnect between employer policies and actual workplace culture. Inflexible hours are cited as the number one reason mothers leave their jobs, and while some find flexible arrangements better than expected, many still feel unsupported when trying to balance career progression with family life.
Victoria Short, CEO of Randstad UK, commented:
“Employers cannot afford to ignore the realities of working mothers. We know flexibility is key to retaining and advancing female talent, yet too often, policies don’t translate into meaningful change. Organisations that fail to offer genuine, career-friendly flexibility risk losing a critical segment of their workforce.”
Paternity Leave & Return-to-Work Challenges
The report also highlights gaps in paternity leave and return-to-work support. While mothers take an average of 10 months of maternity leave, fathers typically take just four weeks, with less than one in five mothers (18%) happy with their partner’s paternity leave package. Additionally, over 40% of women reported losing work-related benefits after having children, exacerbating career setbacks.
The Role of Employers in Driving Change
Employers play a critical role in shaping an inclusive workforce. The report suggests that clearer communication around shared parental leave policies, improved return-to-work support, and true flexibility in working arrangements are vital for progress. Given that 86% of mothers and 97% of fathers return to the same employer post-parental leave, businesses have a unique opportunity to support their employees more effectively.
Justine Roberts, Mumsnet Founder and CEO, said:
"Mumsnet users repeatedly tell us that flexibility is the single most important factor when it comes to juggling work, childcare and career progression. But it's not just employees who benefit from a culture of flexibility - all of the evidence suggests that flexible working increases productivity and helps with staff retention. Companies who take the leap are rewarded with a dedicated, hard-working and loyal workforce".
A Turning Point for UK Workplaces?
These findings come at a time when the UK economy is grappling with labour shortages and businesses are seeking to attract and retain skilled workers. With women more likely to work in essential services while men dominate innovation and industry, addressing the barriers mothers face could be key to unlocking greater workforce participation and productivity.
As organisations look ahead to the future of work, this report underscores the urgency of moving beyond performative flexibility to create genuinely family-friendly workplaces.
You can access the full Working Parents Report 2025 here.
