Paved with good intention // Realities of Mums In Tech
75% of Mums in Tech felt their manager was supportive throughout their pregnancy
Before someone goes on maternity leave, how they are treated and supported during their pregnancy can leave a lasting impression on the rest of their experience, maternity leave as well as the return to work. Providing understanding, flexibility and assistance during this crucial time can have a profound effect on their experience, so it’s promising to see that three-quarters of Mums In Tech felt supported throughout their pregnancy ahead of maternity leave.
How do people want to be supported?
Travel considerations while pregnant
Flexible work arrangements
Remote work options
Workload-level discussions
Early succession planning
But only 33% felt like their manager was trained/experienced to understand their pregnancy
Unfortunately, not everyone felt the same level of support, of those that felt unsupported a majority of those were in non-technical & delivery roles Throughout the report, you will notice there is a continuing trend with these positions receiving less support, particularly senior managers.
Why is that an issue?
When there is a lack of official training, it means that the support someone receives becomes highly dependent on the personal experiences and attitudes of their manager – whether they have children themselves is typically a big factor.
When it comes to training it should be twofold:
Company policy and how to implement it effectively.
Empathy and understanding of what the potential impacts of pregnancy can be and how to support them.
This is aligned with wider HeyFlow research as less than 6 in 10 managers feel equipped to know what to do when an employee announces their pregnancy.
Roughly half of managers have never managed a pregnant employee before, but there is a desire by many to know what to do, with 41% wanting further training.
Only 59% of managers felt fully equipped to support their employees through their pregnancy
HeyFlow Aggregated Data, 2024
Senior Managers are being left behind
Only 66% of senior managers felt their manager was supportive during their pregnancy compared to middle management (84%) and directors (83%)
This may be due to the middle management drop-off being a known issue for many employers. Parental inclusion has become more of a pressing conversation and its role within attrition, gender equity and morale – so there may be more structures in place to support middle managers, as they are also more likely to feel like their manager was trained in supporting pregnancy & maternity.
The ‘Realities of Mums in Tech’ is an open and ongoing project and if you would like to contribute your story, you can today. Take the survey now
If you’d like more information about how to further support MotherBoard, get in touch at hello@motherboardcharter.co.uk
A MotherBoard x HeyFlow collaboration
About HeyFlow
Ending disadvantage for women in the workplace.
Insight, learning and action for female reproductive health inclusion in the workplace.