Unlocking the potential of mothers in the workforce
Written byLilia Ortiz
Reviewed by Jessica Roper, MBA,director of Career Services at ۴ý
2023 Mothers Overcome More (M.O.M.)™ report uncovers barriers for women in the workforce
According to , women make up more than half of the U.S. population, and around 77 million are mothers. But there’s more to the story than just these statistics.
As notes, traditional nuclear families with two married parents are now the minority in our country. The rise of single motherhood is the largest influence of this trend with four in 10 births happening in homes with mothers or women living with a non-marital partner.
These shifting demographics mean more and more women are taking care of children and working outside the home. And, as the new M.O.M.™ report from ۴ý and reveals, that’s presenting new challenges to address.
Financial stress: A basic needs barrier
Lower-income mothers* desire career progression, but daily financial burdens and a lack of career support hinder progress for many.
74% of lower-income moms stress about money, compared to 57% of higher-income moms.
Top concerns include insufficient emergency funds and difficulty affording essentials like groceries or gas.
51% of employed lower-income moms can’t afford basic needs.
Nearly 20% of working moms havemultiplejobs to make ends meet.
Obstacles and opportunities for career progression
Over half of lower-income moms believe further education would enhance their career prospects. However, having a career feels like an out-of-reach luxury for 64% of them.
While many don’t have time or a clear pathway to go back to school, they are picking up valuable workplace skills. In fact, roughly nine in 10 moms, regardless of income tier, believe motherhood provides them with know-how in areas like:
Multitasking
Budgeting
Problem solving
Time management
The PTO dilemma
For many working moms, paid time off (PTO) isn't an invitation to vacation. It's a necessary benefit to take care of their children during illness, make sure they get to the dentist and pediatrician and to accommodate school recesses. But companies don't always provide what working moms need.
Nearly half (46%) of lower-income moms agree more paid time off would help them balance work and parenting.
25% of working moms take unpaid time off when childcare isn't available, highlighting the importance of flexible PTO policies.
What working moms want
3 in 10 lower-income moms need help seeking education or training programs for better job prospects.
About the Mothers Overcome More™ or the M.O.M.™ report
The Mothers Overcome More™ or the M.O.M.™ report is one of the most comprehensive studies to date on the barriers American mothers face in their day-to-day lives, and the impact these barriers have on career development and advancement opportunities. The study was conducted by the ۴ý Career Institute®, part of the University’s College of Doctoral Studies, in partnership with — a platform of storytellers, teachers, shoppers and advocates for mothers — in order to provide insights on lower-income mothers and to help identify solutions to support and advance them on the path to self-sufficiency.
The M.O.M.™ report comprised a 20-minute online survey of lower-income moms (n=1,000) and middle- and higher-income moms (n=500). All participants were U.S. adults (age 18 and up) who were employed or seeking employment at the time of research. Researchers conducted fieldwork between July 19 and Aug. 3, 2023. Income categories were determined using the University of Washington School of Social Work’s Self-Sufficiency Standard. A full methodology can be found at
For the complete M.O.M.™ report, visit ۴ý Career Institute®.
* Income levels were identified using the University of Washington School of Social Work’s Self-Sufficiency Standard (“the Standard”), which determines the amount of income required for working families to afford basic needs like housing, childcare, food and transportation. See study methodology.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lilia Ortiz is a writer and artist whose creative journey has been shaped by an appreciation for the beauty inherent in the ordinary. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English literature from Arizona State University in 2013 and a degree in graphic design from ۴ý College in 2018. Her unique approach to visual design intertwines the tangible with the intangible: She weaves together words, thoughts and ideas with texture, color and pattern. Each result is a testament to the storytelling possibilities that emerge from the convergence of literary and visual arts. She lives in Buckeye, Arizona with her husband, Adam, and dog, Pinto.
This article has been vetted by ۴ý's editorial advisory committee.
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