“Vast discrimination and disadvantage”: Pregnant women and new mothers report dismal working conditions

A report exploring the working conditions of pregnant employees and parents has been released today, calling for major changes in Australian workplaces to combat the persistent discrimination faced by pregnant women.

This is the first Australian National Review into work-related discrimination, disadvantage and bias among pregnant and parent workers since 2014. Over 1200 Australian pregnant and parent workers responded to the survey, with 95% identifying as female.

Lead author of the report Dr Rachael Potter, from the University of South Australia, says she initiated the national review after hearing “countless anecdotes” from pregnant women and parents about their treatment at work.

Since 2014, there have been shifting patterns in the workforce. The latest ABS data shows that over 20% of all Australian households have young children, and the Australian Institute of Family Studies found that the percentage of dual-earner parent couples with children under 18 years has increased from 53% in 1996 to 61% in 2016.

The latest Australian National Review follows a 2023 study that found that 30 years after it was outlawed in Australia, workplace discrimination is still rife for pregnant women and parents.

More than 60% of new mothers returning to work said their opinions are often ignored, they feel excluded and are given unmanageable workloads.

Almost one in five women returning from maternity leave were refused requests to work flexible hours or from home, and 25% of women said their workplace did not provide appropriate breastfeeding facilities.

Despite being a legal requirement, 30% of pregnant women didn’t receive information about their upcoming leave entitlements.

While on leave, 38% reported negative or offensive remarks for taking time off work to care for a sick child. And 13% were treated so badly they had no option but to resign.

Key recommendations

To counter the “vast discrimination and disadvantage” that pregnant women and parents still experience, the report details key recommendations for Australian workplaces.

Calling for clear communication, the report says there needs to be closer consultation between employers and employees to ensure the former understand pregnancy-related needs and communicate role changes for new parents returning to work.

Appropriate space for breastfeeding or expressing milk should be available for employees. This could include a locked door, comfortable chair or storage facilities.

Ergonomic adjustments should be made to minimise risk of harm as well.

Disrespectful or negative behaviour should not be tolerated by management or HR. And there must be greater mandatory regulation of employers to ensure they are meeting their legal requirements.

Regardless of work arrangements, the report says training and career progression should be available for everyone.

The report also notes that providing partner parental leave and flexible work arrangements will help move the dial on gender equality in the workplace.

This article was first published by Women’s Agenda.