According to an analysis of Census data by the National Women’s Law Center in 2018, mothers continue to face discrimination in the workplace when it comes to pay gaps and hiring rates.

Several women face a huge financial blow due to the ‘motherhood penalty’ which leads to disadvantages in pay, perceived competence and career prospects. 

Furthermore, a study conducted by Cornell University researchers where they sent fake CVs to employers and found that mothers were half as likely to be called back by employers. Those who did get hired faced bias, particularly if they speak about their children at work.

Now, companies have started introducing family-focused policies that help support a work-life balance with flexible schedules. While this is a step in the right direction, women without children deserve a proper work-life balance as well.

Research from York University’s School of Human Resources Management found workers without children felt less welcome to attend to their personal lives than parents, which is why they are less likely to ask for flexible working.

“Despite the increasing diversity in family structure and personal responsibilities of employees, most organisations’ work-life balance policies cater to the needs of employees with children, while inadvertently paying less attention to the work-life balance needs of those without,” said Galina Boiarintseva, who led the study.

It is clear that many flexible workplace policies are out-of-date, particularly during a time when people are having less kids. Employers need to offer a work-life balance for all employees to ensure that these workers experience equal opportunities and boost their morale.