Concerningly, the research conducted among mothers who worked while pregnant reveals more than one in five (21%) know someone who has faced maternity discrimination^[1] at work, while one in eight (12%) have themselves experienced it. More than one in ten (11%) say it was their manager who discriminated against them.

Gemma McCall, CEO at Culture Shift, said: “It’s devastating to see that so many expectant mothers feel reluctant to share their pregnancy news due to fear of negativity from their co-workers and managers. I experienced maternity discrimination during both of my pregnancies, so I know first-hand how such discrimination can impact those facing it.

“Having a child is a huge moment for parents and affects so many aspects of their life. Expectant mothers already have a lot to contend with as they prepare for the arrival of their little one and they shouldn’t have to be subjected to such behaviour which can lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety. Not only this, but facing maternity discrimination can make expectant mothers feel incredibly isolated. Being pregnant should be an enjoyable experience for mothers, and they shouldn’t be exposed to such negative behaviour in their place of work.”

Expectant mothers are also noticing changes in the behaviour of their colleagues towards them with one in six (16%) saying they were treated negatively by their manager and one in 10 (10%) by fellow employees once they announced their news. One in six (16%) expectant mothers say this treatment resulted in them no longer feeling like a valued member of the team.

On how experiencing maternity discrimination at work impacted expectant mothers, the research uncovered:

• 16% say how they were treated at work while pregnant impacted their mental health
• 15% felt like their colleagues were talking about them behind their back
• 14% say their employer no longer recognised their good work
• 12% weren’t invited to team socials
• 10% say their working hours were reduced when they told their manager they were pregnant
• 7% say they weren’t included in team meetings

“It’s particularly concerning to see that for one in ten, the perpetrator is their manager, the very person employees should be able to confide in when they are in a challenging situation and who is meant to be setting an example for fellow colleagues,” adds Gemma.

Despite the challenges faced by mothers, a report from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, plus the Equalities and Human Rights Commission, suggests the situation is improving. The study from 2016 found three in four mothers (77%) said they had a negative or possibly discriminatory experience during pregnancy, maternity leave, and on their return from maternity leave. While half of mothers (50%) described a negative impact on their opportunity, status or job security^[2].

Gemma continues: “Our research has shown that maternity discrimination is a problem workplaces need to tackle, but it is good to see that there has been some improvement in the last six years. That said, for too many women maternity discrimination is still a reality. Employers need to ensure that they are fostering a supportive community where expectant mothers still feel valued for the contributions that they are making to the business.”

To find out about more Culture Shift, and the work it’s doing to eradicate discrimination and harassment of any kind in the workplace, please visit https://www.culture-shift.co.uk/

[1] Maternity discrimination was defined as unfair treatment because a person is pregnant, breastfeeding or has given birth within the last 26 weeks by the Equality Act 2010.

[2] Adams, L., Winterbotham,M. et. al (2016) Pregnancy and Maternity-related Discrimination and Disadvantage: Experiences of Employers, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and Equalities and Human Rights Commission