Working Mothers Still Held to Higher Standards, New FlexJobs Report Finds

According to FlexJobs’^® Working Parents Report, half of all respondents (50%) believe working mothers are held to higher standards than fathers in the workplace. Only one-third (33%) feel that working parents are treated equally, while 17% say fathers face higher standards.

Released today, the report surveyed over 2,200 U.S. professionals across industries and career levels between June 10 and 24, 2025. Against the backdrop of return-to-office mandates, widespread layoffs, and rising numbers of women leaving the workforce, the study aimed to better understand how parenthood shapes career choices and perceptions in today’s evolving work landscape.

📊 Key Findings: Gender Gaps in Perception

• 59% of women vs. 27% of men said working mothers face higher standards.
• 48% of men vs. 28% of women believe working parents are treated equally.
• 25% of men vs. 13% of women said fathers face higher standards.

“Working parents—especially mothers—continue to face the challenge of balancing both work and family,” said Toni Frana, FlexJobs’ Career Expert Manager. “Having remote or hybrid options can make a significant difference in supporting career growth and flexibility.”

Family Planning & Workplace Support

More than 1 in 3 professionals (35%) say their jobs do not support plans to start or expand their families.

• 60% said they’ve felt pressure to hide family responsibilities to appear more committed at work.
• 73% feel guilty or conflicted about balancing work and family life.
• 63% of women, compared to 51% of men, say they’ve felt the need to conceal family matters.

Return-to-Office Mandates Influence Family Decisions

The shift back to the office is reshaping family planning:

• 17% would prioritize jobs with remote or highly flexible work options.
• 11% would delay or reconsider having children.
• 10% of women and 8% of men would leave their job for better work-life balance.

The Double Burden: Work & Home

When it comes to responsibilities, 52% of women say they shoulder most of the workload both at home and on the job—compared to 31% of men.

Additional stats:

• 35% of men vs. 22% of women said their responsibilities are balanced.
• 17% of women vs. 10% of men said they carry more duties at home.

Top challenges cited by working parents:

1. Childcare costs (56%)
2. Maintaining work-life boundaries (50%)
3. Lack of affordable childcare (30%)

Respondents said these policies would best support them:

• 72% – Flexible working hours and schedules
• 65% – Remote or hybrid work options
• 47% – Paid parental leave (12+ weeks)
• 45% – Family care/sick leave
• 37% – Childcare assistance

Both men and women agreed that flexibility and remote work were top priorities for success and retention.

Remote Work & Childcare Support Are Retention Game-Changers

A resounding 86% of workers say remote work is pivotal in family planning decisions, with 55% of women and 45% of men calling it “extremely important.”

Childcare support also plays a major role:

• 49% would be more likely to stay in their current role.
• 31% would feel more confident pursuing promotions.

Bottom line: Flexibility isn’t just a perk—it’s a lifeline. As working parents continue juggling professional and family demands, companies that offer remote options and strong childcare support stand to retain and empower top talent.