Maternity Leave and Beyond: Insights from the Women Automotive Network Panel

The State of Maternity Leave Across the Globe

Aleksandra Mårtensson shared her experience from Sweden, a country renowned for its generous parental leave policies.

“As a mom, you can stay home for six months with 90% of your salary. Then you can choose to stay a couple of more months with 80%. Fathers can also take six months at 90%. Not all companies offer this, but it’s a great addition," she explained.

This approach fosters equality in parenting and ensures that neither parent feels the sole burden of balancing work and caregiving.

In stark contrast, Drishti Trivedi painted a different picture of parental leave in the United States:

“In the U.S., maternity leave feels like a lottery. The company you join decides if you win or lose. Some offer 12 weeks of fully paid leave, but many don’t. We see women at Walmart five days after giving birth—this shouldn’t be normal."

Statistics back this disparity. According to the World Policy Analysis Center, the U.S. is one of only six countries worldwide that does not mandate paid maternity leave. Meanwhile, countries like India offer six months of fully paid maternity leave, showing that even developing nations prioritise this crucial support. In comparison, Japan allows for up to one year of parental leave with a significant portion of salary paid, while South Korea offers a year of leave at 80% of the parent's salary.

Even within Europe, variations exist. For instance, while Sweden leads with its parental leave benefits, Germany provides 14 weeks of fully paid maternity leave and additional options for extended parental leave, partially paid, up to three years. In the UK, mothers receive up to 39 weeks of maternity leave, but only the first six weeks are paid at 90% of their salary, with the remaining weeks at a statutory rate.

The Case of Workplace Flexibility

Returning to work after having a child is a monumental shift. Drishti Trivedi, emphasised the importance of flexibility:

“You want us back to work? Make it happen, but give us time—at least until the child turns six months or starts solids. Breastfeeding, taking care of the baby needs support. Right now, 60% of women in the U.S. leave their jobs after having a child.”

Sophie Bond believes that education and empathy are key to improving workplace re-entry for parents.

“It starts with education. Companies need to understand their corporate social responsibility toward employees who are also new parents. These little people we’re raising will shape the world’s future. Supporting that journey benefits everyone."

From her perspective in HR, Sophie focused on the softer aspects of transitioning back to work:

Education: Companies must educate managers and teams about the challenges of maternity leave and the value that returning mothers bring to the workplace.
Support Networks: Creating initiatives like buddy programs for new mothers can provide a safe space to address feelings of overwhelm, imposter syndrome, and mum guilt.

Sophie also emphasised the strengths mothers bring to the workplace, such as increased empathy, diverse perspectives, and enhanced problem-solving skills. She noted that these attributes contribute to the success of diverse leadership teams and drive corporate performance.

Unlocking the Potential of Working Mums

Joeli underscored the importance of changing the narrative around working mothers. She shared research showing that mothers—especially those with two children—are among the most productive employees. Key takeaways included:

 - Maternity leave can serve as "elite training for management," developing skills such as time management, multitasking, and emotional intelligence.
 - Vulnerability, often heightened after becoming a parent, can be a strength in leadership and interpersonal relationships.

Joeli also highlighted the stigma working mothers face, where they are often viewed as less committed or more distracted—despite evidence to the contrary. Changing this mindset is critical to unlocking the full potential of working parents.

Sophie Bond agreed, sharing her personal growth story:

“I feel more empathetic and see different perspectives since becoming a parent. These are skills I bring back to the workplace. We need to talk about the positives of what working moms bring to the table.”

Research supports these claims. A study by Microsoft found that mothers, especially those with two children, are among the most productive employees. Their ability to juggle responsibilities, prioritise effectively, and lead with empathy makes them invaluable assets to any organisation.

WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE