How businesses can support the mental health of working mothers

Juggling work and motherhood brings unique challenges that can have a significant impact on mental health. The pressures of juggling work responsibilities with parenting duties often cause stress, anxiety and depression in working mothers.

However, progressive workplace policies and benefits can play a key role in mitigating these challenges and fostering a supportive environment for working mothers.

Maternal Mental Health

A study conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA) found that working mothers experience higher levels of stress and anxiety compared to non-working mothers.

“Stress and depression are especially common among working moms, who are trying to balance being a good mom with what it takes to make ends meet and provide for their family,” says Kendria Smith, aka Marketing Mind Mom. “Many of us moms struggle with anxiety and guilt about the time and focus it takes to work for someone else nine to five, or to start our own business and become a successful entrepreneur. Both require time and attention, and it’s a tough balancing act we have to navigate and get through.”

Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these challenges: According to a Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) survey, 53% of working mothers reported that their mental health has worsened during the pandemic due to increased responsibilities at home and work.

Lisa M. Gomez, Under Secretary of the Employee Benefits Security Administration, emphasized, “Studies have shown that working mothers are in crisis. They are experiencing higher levels of burnout and increased diagnoses of anxiety and depression. More are considering leaving the workplace — or have already done so. You don’t need to look at studies to know — just ask working mothers how they’re doing and if they need additional support.”

Flexible working arrangements

One of the most effective strategies to support working mothers is to implement flexible working arrangements. Flexible working hours, remote work options, and compressed work weeks allow mothers to better manage their time and responsibilities, significantly reducing their stress levels. According to a study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family, flexible working arrangements are associated with lower stress levels and higher job satisfaction among working mothers.

“Offering remote or hybrid work options with flexibility to suit the type of work being done allows mothers to work from home part-time or full-time and be with their families,” Smith explained. “I also believe mothers should receive more support when it comes to paying for childcare costs. Having support schemes in place as part of employee benefits would be very helpful.”

Paid parental leave

Paid parental leave is another important benefit that can support working mothers. The United States lags behind many other developed countries in offering comprehensive paid parental leave. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the United States is the only OECD country that does not mandate paid parental leave at the national level.

Research has shown that paid parental leave has a significant positive impact on mental health. A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) found that mothers who took paid leave had lower levels of postpartum depression and were more likely to return to work, reducing the financial and psychological stress that comes with unpaid leave. Gomez stressed the importance of health insurance plans that cover mental health services on an equal footing with medical benefits, without any special barriers or obstacles.

Access to mental health resources

Access to mental health resources is essential to supporting the wellbeing of working mothers, and employers can play a key role by offering comprehensive mental health benefits such as counseling services, mental health days, and employee assistance programs (EAPs).

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), integrating mental health services in the workplace can significantly improve employee health and productivity.

Gomez added, “Most companies recognize the importance of supporting their employees. They may offer paid time off and holidays, retirement plans, stock options, health insurance and other benefits. Supporting the mental health of employees should be the same.”

She advises that if you are experiencing issues trying to access your benefits, face other obstacles getting treatment for a mental health or substance use disorder, or have questions about retirement or health insurance at work, you can get free help from an EBSA benefits advisor by calling 866-444-3272.

In addition to reminding other moms that it’s okay to ask for help, Gomez highlights that they can visit the “Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Equity” webpage on EBSA’s website.

EBSA can assist with informal dispute resolution and also escalate cases for investigation, which also applies to working mothers and their families who are trying to receive their benefits.

Childcare support

Child care is a major concern for working mothers, and a lack of affordable, reliable child care options can cause stress and anxiety. Employers can support working mothers by offering on-site child care, child care subsidies, or partnering with local child care providers. Access to reliable child care options allows mothers to focus on work without worrying about their children’s well-being.

A National Institutes of Health study found that access to employer-supported child care is associated with less work-family conflict and higher job satisfaction among working parents. “Leaving home with the stress of living paycheck to paycheck can be incredibly daunting and anxiety-provoking,” said Smith. “That’s why I advocate for helping moms turn their passions into money, learning how to start businesses online, and working from home to spend more time with their families.”

Creating a supportive work culture

Beyond policies and benefits, building a supportive culture in the workplace is essential to addressing the mental health challenges of working mothers. A culture that promotes work-life balance, encourages open communication and recognises the unique challenges that working mothers face can significantly improve their well-being.

“The biggest lesson and advice I’ve learned from running my own business and creating opportunities for myself and countless other women is to make sure your entire team feels heard and valued,” Smith said. “This builds trust in your leadership and the bigger picture mission of the company. Provide regular updates to your staff on what’s going on within the company. Create an open-door policy so everyone knows they can share ideas and voice concerns. Communication and support are key.”

Gomez agrees, saying, “I keep saying that whether a worker is living with a mental illness or substance use disorder, or needs support for another medical condition or personal issue, it should be the same. People seeking treatment for mental illness or substance use disorders still face discrimination and stigma, even though it’s more clear than ever that mental illness is as essential to our overall health and quality of life as physical health. This stigma can make it difficult to ask for help. But seeking treatment for an eating disorder or depression should be no different from seeking treatment for diabetes or heart disease.”

Practical benefits for working mothers

Supporting working mothers not only helps them manage their mental health, but also has practical benefits for employers. “Supporting working mothers and their mental health is not only good for the mothers who need it, but it also has great benefits for employers,” explains Gomez. “On the practical side, this support enables companies to retain employees with key organizational knowledge, reduce turnover and new hire training, and attract intelligent, hard-working applicants.”

Lansinoh president Julie Kelly added: “Supporting working mothers requires a comprehensive approach that includes flexible work arrangements, generous paid parental leave, childcare support and access to mental health resources. Flexible work schedules and remote work options enable mothers to better balance their work and family responsibilities.”

Working mothers’ mental health requires a multi-faceted approach that includes flexible work arrangements, paid parental leave, access to mental health resources, childcare support, and a supportive workplace culture. By implementing these policies and benefits, employers can create an environment where working mothers can thrive professionally and personally. This not only benefits mothers, but also contributes to a more productive and engaged workforce.

“Creating a supportive culture in the workplace requires efforts to foster empathy, inclusivity, and open communication,” Kelly says. “Leadership should champion wellness initiatives and provide resources to support employee wellness. It’s also important to train managers on how to understand and address the needs of working mothers, and overall promote a culture where employees feel comfortable sharing their challenges without fear of criticism or repercussions.”

Addressing the mental health issues of working mothers is not only a moral imperative, but also a strategic business decision. Employers who prioritize the well-being of working mothers are more likely to experience improved employee satisfaction, retention and overall organizational performance.

As the working environment continues to change, employers must adapt and provide the support needed to ensure working mothers’ mental health and wellbeing.