Why So Many New Mothers Leave (and How to Keep Them)

When employees don’t return after maternity leave, it’s frustrating and expensive.

Replacing one employee costs around £30,000. Across the UK, one in four mothers leave their job within a year of returning - costing businesses £650 million every year.

Why They Leave

For many, it isn’t outright discrimination. It’s poor planning and awkward conversations that never happen.

• No one talks to them before they’re due back

• Their manager avoids the conversation

• Hours clash with childcare

• They feel like outsiders in their own workplace

It only takes a few missteps to push someone out.

What Keeps Them

The businesses that retain returning mothers do three things well:

1. Plan the return properly

• Stay in touch during leave - KIT (Keep in Touch) days are legal and helpful when agreed.

• Get in touch a month before their return to talk about timing, changes at home and how to make the transition easier.

• Use KIT days to reconnect gently before the first day back.

2. Offer flexibility where possible

• Earlier start times to manage school runs

• Phased returns, eg starting with 3 days

• One day a week working from home
  Small adjustments can make the difference between retention and resignation.

3. Train your managers

Most managers want to do the right thing but don’t know what’s appropriate. They need guidance on:

• Discussing flexible working requests

• Asking about childcare needs without overstepping

• Making returning employees feel welcome without assumptions

The Business Impact

This isn’t just about being supportive. It’s about protecting your investment.

Get it right:

• You keep the people you’ve trained

• You avoid the cost and hassle of recruitment

• You build a culture that values long-term commitment

Get it wrong:

• You face recruitment costs and disruption

• Colleagues notice how you handle it, shaping how they see your business

Your Next Step

Protecting your investment in good people makes business sense.

If you’re unsure about how you handle maternity returns, or want a clear process that works for both employee and employer, get in touch.