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Pregnant women, especially those returning after maternity leave, are still facing workplace discrimination, with many missing out on career opportunities and being denied flexible working options.
These are the findings of an ongoing University of South Australia study that surveyed more than 550 women and new caregivers about their experience working while pregnant or as a new parent.
Despite being outlawed more than 20 years ago, this form of workplace discrimination is still common in Australia – indicating “scant progress” in addressing the issue over the intervening years, according to University of South Australia research fellow and report lead Dr Rachael Potter.
However, she described the results of the survey collected so far as “concerning”.
“Our study not only highlights existing discrimination faced by pregnant women and new parents returning to work, but also offers valuable insights into the areas that require improvement,” Ms Potter said.
More than 60 per cent of new mothers returning to work said that their opinions are often dismissed, that they are excluded in the workplace, and are given “unmanageable” workloads.
Findings of the study showed a quarter of the women surveyed reported that their workplace did not provide adequate breastfeeding facilities, while almost one in five were denied requests to work from home or to work flexibly.
Concerningly, the study revealed that this form of workplace discrimination starts as early as the pregnancy stage.
Almost one in three or 30 per cent of pregnant women said they received no information about their upcoming leave entitlements, which is a legal requirement in workplaces. Meanwhile, 23 per cent of women said they felt they needed to hide their pregnant belly at work.
“Less common but just as shocking were reports from some women who were made redundant, their contracts not renewed, and some who were denied toilet breaks when pregnant and not granted leave for medical appointments,” Dr Potter stated.
Nearly a quarter of those surveyed said their tasks or job was altered against their will while they were on leave, while 13 per cent eventually resigned due to how they “were treated so badly”.
Moreover, the women surveyed for the study reported being bullied and ostracised in the office while pregnant or upon returning to work as a new parent.
Cited examples showed one respondent stating: “I was told I wouldn’t want to return to work as I would be ‘clucky’.”
Another respondent said her career “was severely impacted by my pregnancy”, as she was “forced to give up my team leader role”.
“I was told my position was no longer available and that I would move to a different store which required one-hour travel time each way,” another respondent said.
The study is the first national review of pregnant women and working parents in nearly 10 years, with researchers calling on more participants for more insights.
“The prime objective of this study is to identify where the issues are and use the evidence to improve work practices, ideally through stricter government policies and legislation,” Ms Potter said.
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