Workplace Support Systems Fail Working Mothers

Discussions at the Fast Company Innovation Festival highlighted why workplace support systems are inadequately serving working mothers in the United States. Despite identified solutions, significant improvements remain elusive.

The number of working mothers with children under five experienced its steepest decline in 40 years during the first half of last year, according to a University of Kansas study. This trend continues, with experts pointing to a lack of crucial support such as affordable childcare and paid parental leave as primary drivers.

During a panel discussion, Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code and CEO of Moms First, recalled the Lanham Act's national childcare program during World War II and the flexible arrangements adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic. She noted that these systems have since been dismantled or abandoned, despite proving effective.

Alison Moore, CEO of Chief, a network for women leaders, emphasized that companies can adapt quickly when growth and capital are at stake. She argued that similar agility should be applied to human capital, as current changes are insufficient. Latham Thomas, CEO of Mama Glow, also underscored the importance of other support networks, such as doula services, and highlighted the inadequate support for caregiving professionals.

Saujani concluded the discussion by stating that the issues stem from intentional policy failures. She criticized the cultural debate that pits mothers against each other and stressed the need to build a country that truly supports mothers.