Few mothers seeking promotions due to work-life balance concerns, report finds
Working mothers appear to be more satisfied in their roles thanks to the flexibility offered by their employers, according to new findings from Robert Half.
Overall, 75% are more satisfied in their career because they now have the flexibility they want.
And 66% will now only consider positions that offer flexible work options.
Over a quarter (25.4%) of Canadian employees currently work from home, according to a previous global survey.
Working mothers also express confidence that their employers would support them during periods of burnout, according to Robert Half’s survey of 490 respondents conducted in March 2025.
Currently, 51% of working parents report feeling burned out. However, 73% of working mothers are confident they would receive support from their manager if they raised concerns about their workload.
Asked how managers could help ease burnout, 34% suggested hiring additional permanent or contract staff to help distribute workloads, while 33% recommended encouraging employees to take time off.'
Implementing flexible work arrangements, encouraging regular breaks and time off and setting clear expectations and boundaries are some steps that employers can take to improve workers’ work-life balance, according to a previous report.
“Work-life balance is crucial for maintaining a healthy, happy, and productive workforce,” says SalezShark via LinkedIn.
Employers who help workers achieve work-life balance benefit from “a more productive, satisfied, and loyal workforce,” they say.
“Prioritizing work-life balance is a win-win for everyone involved.”
Despite high satisfaction levels, few working mothers are actively pursuing promotions to people management roles, reports Robert Half. Only 24% of female parents express interest in such promotions, compared to 35% of working fathers.
This reluctance is largely due to concerns about work-life balance: 53% of working mothers believe that managing others would negatively affect their ability to maintain that balance.
Six in 10 (60%) employees have stayed in a role longer than they wanted, despite 66% believing that a change in career could improve their happiness, according to a previous report from Resume Now.
Verena Hefti, CEO and founder of Leaders Plus, believes that modelling can help working mothers go up the ladder.
“If working parents don’t see others moving up the ladder while balancing family, they won’t believe it’s possible,” she says via LinkedIn. “Real opportunities to progress, not just lip service, is crucial.”
Also, “senior leaders must be honest about their journey as both professionals and parents.
“Realistic, relatable stories have the power to inspire others—and it’s okay if it hasn’t all been perfect.”
