Let’s be real – moms do it all – balancing the never-ending 24/7, 365-day job of being mom. And when she is also a career woman hustling to meet her 9-5 responsibilities with the mental gymnastics of picking up groceries, getting the kids to soccer practice and dance recitals, signing up for A+ after school care on time, and making sure there’s clean laundry for the household– that’s a recipe for burnout.

According to a recent Gallup survey, 81% of working moms face burnout while attempting to manage their responsibilities at work and home. Balancing work and parenting responsibilities is no small feat. In fact, parental burnout can manifest as chronic stress and emotional exhaustion.

Companies that make a strong investment in supporting parents gain a competitive advantage with a healthier and more loyal workforce. 91% of employees in such organizations say they want to stay at their company long-term and are 26% more motivated giving extra effort in their role.

Strategies to support working mothers

Recognize the signs and symptoms of burnout
Symptoms of burnout can be both physical and mental. Parents may be especially fatigued, show signs of irritability or cynicism, and withdrawal from social interaction. Other common signs of burnout are a lack of focus and a decrease in productivity, as well as reoccurring time and attendance issues. You may also notice a neglect of their personal appearance, or a lack of appetite or overeating. By taking the time to recognize the symptoms of burnout early, steps can be taken to minimize these challenges.

Create a supportive work environment
Foster a workplace culture where it’s a safe space to discuss stress and burnout. A survey by the American Psychological Association found that workers who experience psychological safety in their workplaces report higher job satisfaction and better relationships with colleagues. By providing support and resources with open communication channels and access to mental health resources like an employee assistance program (EAP), leaders can create safer, higher-performance work environments that prioritize mental safety at work, reducing the strain of burnout on your workforce.

Promote work-life balance
Supporting work-life balance starts with flexibility—like remote work options, flexible schedules, and encouraging employees to take their vacation time. Just as important, when leaders actively model these behaviors—using family leave, taking PTO, or simply logging off on time—they set a powerful example that gives their team permission to do the same.

Encourage regular breaks and physical activity
The simple act of encouraging employees to honor their break time and to add some physical activity into their day can break the cycle of stress and create intentional mindful moments to thwart overwhelm and burnout. Provide opportunities for exercise, such as gym memberships, yoga classes, or walking groups. Additionally, mindfulness apps like Headspace and Calm offer quick, effective tools— meditation, breathing and gentle movement —to help busy moms reset and get refreshed in a matter of minutes.

Goal setting, professional development, and recognition
This trifecta of tactics will help leadership teams support working moms and mitigate burnout.

• Goal setting – Ensure that employees set achievable goals and manage their workload effectively. Avoid overloading them with tasks and ensure they have the resources needed to succeed.
• Professional development – Invest in employees’ growth by offering training and professional development programs. This can help working moms feel more engaged and motivated in their roles.
• Recognition – Recognition and praise goes a long way. Celebrating your team’s hard work and achievements can boost morale and reduce feelings of burnout.

Support by stages of motherhood

Tailoring support based on the diverse needs of mothers in different stages can help create a more inclusive and supportive work environment.

• Expectant mothers – leadership should provide a supportive response to pregnancy announcements and provide clear communication about maternity leave and health care benefits. You might also discuss flexible work arrangements to accommodate their needs.
• New mothers – empathetic leaders should be understanding of the challenges of new motherhood, including postpartum recovery and mental health. Co-create a return-to-work plan, discuss career goals, and share resources for nursing mothers, including workplace breastfeeding rights.
• Mothers with young children – consider offering childcare resources or subsidies and flexible schedules to ease the demands of balancing work and family. Simple accommodation, like flexible breaks for tasks such as after-school enrollment, can make a big difference.
• Mothers with older children – maintain flexible work options to accommodate school events and other family activities. Continue supporting professional development by encouraging participation in training and development programs to support career growth.

The burden on moms to “do it all” and succeed at both their work commitments and family duties is nothing short of immense. When there is little time for self-care, and no “me-time,” it’s common for moms to have feelings of overwhelm and fatigue. A crucial role for managers is to recognize the signs of burnout, address them, and proactively encourage a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle. By supporting moms, your organization can improve productivity, decrease absenteeism and healthcare costs, and increase employee morale, teamwork and collaboration.

Related article: Working Mom Hacks and Employer Strategies to Support Working Mothers