The latest findings from a survey conducted by the IPSOS agency for the organization Working Mothers reveal a concerning trend increasingly affecting Slovak women upon their return from maternity or parental leave. The results show that returning to their previous jobs is becoming a rare option for many of them. Nearly 60% of mothers find themselves in situations where they not only need to change employers but often also their position or even the entire industry. These findings highlight the growing pressure on the job market to provide flexibility and adaptability for mothers seeking to re-establish their careers after an extended absence.
According to the survey, conducted from August 20 to September 3, 2024, and focusing on women aged 18 to 53, up to 57% of women reported changing employers after returning from maternity leave. This figure is alarming, as it was at 48% in 2022. Such career changes are becoming increasingly common, underscoring how vital it is for women to find employment that enables them to better balance work and family life.
A longer career break complicates returning to the original job
One of the key factors affecting women’s ability to return to their previous position is the length of maternity leave. “The standard in Slovakia is two children relatively close together,” explains career counselor Terézia Miháliková from the Working Mothers Organization. The survey revealed that women who have been inactive in the job market for more than three and a half years have minimal chances of returning to their original position. As many as 7 out of 10 of these women decided not only to change employers but also to switch professions, with half of them even changing their entire field.
canva/ značky Kaspars Grinvalds
Flexibility as a Decisive Factor
For most women attempting to re-enter the workforce, the primary challenge is the lack of flexibility in work conditions. The survey revealed that nearly 80% of women see the lack of flexibility — not only in work hours but also in the workplace location and type of employment — as their biggest issue. Interestingly, the most desired option is a reduced work schedule of 60 to 80%, which allows mothers to better balance work responsibilities with family commitments.
Read more: Entrepreneur Irina Arsene: Supporting someone can change their life
The Consent Paradox and Its Negative Consequences
Another issue women face after maternity leave is the so-called “consent paradox.” In the effort to obtain or retain a job, many women accept conditions that often exceed their actual capabilities. They apply for less qualified positions in hopes that these will offer greater flexibility. Additionally, they frequently agree to tasks beyond their original job descriptions.
“Ironically, instead of achieving job stability, this approach leads to growing stress, which can have a devastating impact on family life and, in extreme cases, ends in resignation,”warns Patrícia Hirschnerová from the Working Mothers Organization.
canva/sturti od autora Getty Images Signature
A Challenge for Companies: How to Support Mothers Returning to Work
The survey results indicate that Slovak companies still face the challenge of creating work conditions that reflect the needs of mothers. Whether it’s flexibility in working hours, the option to work from home, or changes in employment terms, it’s clear that companies need to better adapt workplace conditions if they want to harness the potential of this segment of the workforce.
The survey suggests that the job market needs to adapt to the new demands brought by women returning from maternity leave. If companies learn to provide flexible working conditions, they can gain qualified and motivated employees who, with a better balance between work and family life, will perform better not only at work but also in their personal lives.
The survey shows that although returning to work after maternity leave is often a major challenge for women, with the right conditions, these women can find a fresh start that benefits both them and their families.
