
The Hidden Reality of Working Motherhood in 2025
The landscape for working mothers in 2025 has reached a critical tipping point. While workplaces now offer hybrid models, remote options, and wellness initiatives, the reality remains that these ‘solutions’ often shift even more responsibility onto mothers. Behind the scenes of polished Zoom meetings and flexible schedules lies an undeniable truth: working mothers are carrying an invisible load that’s both overwhelming and exhausting.
In Lean In, Sheryl Sandberg observed, “We need to stop telling women they can have it all and start supporting them to have what they need.” The conversation has shifted from whether women can ‘balance it all’ to whether workplaces and partners are doing enough to support them.
Understanding the invisible load isn’t just about recognising it—it’s about addressing it head-on, demanding more from systems that continue to undervalue women’s contributions both at home and at work.
Understanding the Invisible Load
The invisible load refers to the mental, emotional, and psychological tasks that working mothers carry every single day. Unlike physical tasks like cooking or cleaning, this load is harder to measure, harder to delegate, and almost impossible to ‘switch off.’
- Remembering every school deadline, doctor’s appointment, and extracurricular activity.
- Anticipating family needs before they’re expressed.
- Managing household dynamics and acting as the family’s emotional anchor.
- Keeping track of work deadlines while simultaneously planning meals, birthday parties, and social calendars.
In Fair Play, Eve Rodsky puts it bluntly: “Invisible labour isn’t just about the tasks themselves—it’s about the relentless mental energy required to manage them.”
The Emotional and Psychological Weight Carried by Mothers

This mental energy isn’t free. It comes at the cost of mothers’ mental health, physical well-being, and professional growth.
- Chronic exhaustion: The brain doesn’t have an ‘off switch’ for invisible tasks.
- Emotional burnout: Constantly juggling roles leads to emotional fatigue.
- Career stagnation: Time spent on invisible labour reduces time available for professional growth.
Understanding this load is the first step. The next step is learning how to redistribute it—both at home and in the workplace.
Workplace Challenges: The Reality Behind the Numbers
Recent studies provide a sobering glimpse into the struggles faced by working mothers:
- 74% of working mothers still manage the majority of family responsibilities.
- Women experience 31% higher burnout rates than male colleagues.
- Only 63% of working mothers feel they can progress their careers while maintaining flexible working arrangements.
Gender, Race and Career Progression
For women of colour, these challenges are compounded:
- Representation drops by 75% between entry-level and senior leadership positions.
- Cultural biases create additional barriers to both advocacy and career progression.
These statistics aren’t just numbers—they represent real mothers facing real struggles every day.
In Invisible Women, Caroline Criado Perez explains, “When systems fail to account for women’s needs, it’s women who pay the price—mentally, emotionally, and financially.”
Strategic Approaches for Professional Empowerment
We don’t want you to leave this article thinking that it’s all doom and gloom for working mums. There are many ways to get around the obstacles – keep reading.
1. Professional Development
- Upskill Continuously: Attend workshops, courses, and online training.
- Networking with Intention: Build relationships with professionals who align with your goals.
- Seek Mentorship: Find mentors who understand the unique challenges of balancing work and motherhood.
In Atomic Habits, James Clear writes, “You don’t rise to the level of your goals, you fall to the level of your systems.” Build systems that support your professional growth.
2. Workplace Negotiation
- Communicate Clearly: Articulate your career goals and your needs without hesitation.
- Request Flexible Arrangements: Be specific about what you need (e.g., reduced hours, remote options).
- Know Your Rights: Understand your legal protections in the workplace.
3. Personal Resilience
- Prioritise Self-Care: Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s survival.
- Set Boundaries: Protect your personal time fiercely.
- Build Support Networks: Surround yourself with people who understand and uplift you.
The Role of Organisational Policy
Workplaces must commit to:
- Genuine Flexible Working Policies: Flexibility should empower, not burden.
- Parental Leave Equality: Both mothers and fathers need access to meaningful parental leave.
- Transparent Career Progression Pathways: Remove ambiguity from promotion processes.
Advocating for Transparent and Inclusive Work Environments
Organisations need to do more than pay lip service to inclusivity—they must build structures that support mothers in practical ways.
In Dare to Lead, Brené Brown highlights, “Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind.” Policies must be clear, actionable, and consistently implemented.
Practical Action Steps
- Document Your Contributions: Keep track of your achievements and contributions.
- Identify Family-Friendly Organisations: Research company policies before accepting roles.
- Develop a Career Plan: Map out short- and long-term career goals.
- Build a Support Network: Connect with mentors and peers.
- Upskill Regularly: Stay adaptable in a fast-changing professional world.
Redefining Professional Motherhood
Shifting the Narrative of Success
Success isn’t about doing it all—it’s about doing what matters most. It’s about creating systems that support both personal and professional goals.
Creating a Sustainable Future for Working Mothers
Change isn’t the responsibility of mothers alone—it’s collective. From partners to workplaces to policymakers, everyone has a role to play.
In Essentialism, Greg McKeown writes, “If you don’t prioritise your life, someone else will.”
The Takeaway
The invisible load is real, it’s heavy, and it’s unsustainable without change. But change is possible.
By recognising the invisible load, advocating for systemic improvements, and building strong personal boundaries, working mothers can redefine success—on their terms.
No more ‘just coping.’ It’s time to demand more—and receive it.