In today's workplace, the concept of mental load is gaining recognition as a significant challenge, particularly for working mothers. At WCorp, we're committed to understanding and addressing this issue to create more supportive work environments.

What is mental load? 

Mental load refers to the invisible cognitive labor involved in managing household and family responsibilities. Recent research highlights the disproportionate burden on mothers:

• Mothers are responsible for about 73% of all cognitive household labor compared to their partners (Saxbe & Aviv, 2024).
• An overwhelming 86% of working moms report handling all family and household responsibilities (Bright Horizons Modern Family Index, 2017).

You’re supposed to have work from 9-5, and home from 5-9. But when managing the mental load of household and familial labor on top of your job, you might feel like you’re always at work. 

The Impact on Working Mothers

The effects of this mental load are far-reaching:

• 72% of working mothers feel it's their job to stay on top of kids' schedules (Bright Horizons, 2017).
• 69% of working moms say their responsibilities create a mental load (Bright Horizons, 2017).
• Alarmingly, 52% of working moms are experiencing burnout from the weight of their household responsibilities (Bright Horizons, 2017).

Financial Responsibilities

The mental load extends to financial management as well:

• Women who are primary breadwinners are 34% more likely than other working mothers to manage family finances (Bright Horizons, 2017).

At WCorp, we believe that recognizing and addressing the mental load carried by working mothers is crucial for not just creating equitable workplaces, but gaining significant finacial benefits. In fact, our new Ambassador Jennifer Harrison is a specialist in this field. 

Your Bottom Line 

According to a Deloitte study, the median yearly ROI on mental health programs was 

• CA$1.62 among companies that provided at least three years' worth of data 
• With this figure rising to CA$2.18 for programs in place for three or more years 
• And recovering up to 60% of lost workdays 

The financial stakes are high: poor mental health costs UK employers £33bn – £42bn each year in absence, presenteeism, and turnover costs. These statistics underscore the fact that investing in employee mental health and addressing the mental load is not just a moral imperative, but a sound business strategy that can lead to improved productivity, reduced turnover, and ultimately, a healthier bottom line.

As we continue to advocate for women's rights in the workplace, addressing mental load will be a key factor in creating truly inclusive and supportive work environments. If you’d like to become part of the change and the conversation, join our FREE community where we dive deeper into these important topics supporting helping women thrive in the workplace.