Motherhood still leads to lower earnings and slower career progression, finds HiBob

21% of women said they were made to feel uncomfortable or less qualified at work because of their gender. 

17% believed men are promoted more at their company, compared to 12% of men.

Despite these inequalities, women with dependents showed the strongest loyalty to their employers. 

78% said they stayed in their job in 2025 and planned to stay in 2026, 10 percentage points higher than men.

Nirit Peled-Muntz, chief people officer at HiBob, said: “The structural barriers facing working mothers remain deeply embedded in how many organisations operate. 

“Yet many still view parenthood as an equal workplace burden despite clear evidence that the impact is not experienced equally.

“Our data shows that 79% of men in our survey manage people, compared to 58% of women meaning men are more likely to influence promotions, pay, and visibility decisions.”

Peled-Muntz added: “When those shaping progression believe the playing field is level, structural disadvantage becomes harder to recognise and address.

“HR’s role isn’t limited to calling out bias; we are architects of the systems, structures, and culture that shape opportunity. 

“Together with leadership, we must design progression frameworks that reward impact over presence and ensure fairness is built into the way decisions are made. 

“Equality isn’t achieved by intention. It’s achieved when we lead and build differently.”