New Research From The Standard Highlights the Price Women Pay for Taking Leave

With only 44% of women saying their employer makes accommodations for women’s health issues, employers that strengthen leave policies and workplace culture can boost loyalty, productivity and well-being.

PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Standard Insurance Company (The Standard) today released new research underscoring the unique challenges women face when taking a leave of absence from work. The findings reveal that women are more likely than men to take leave and as a result, they suffer greater negative effects to their finances, emotional health and career.

“Supporting women at work means being there when they need to step away,” said Amy Malagamba, vice president of Marketing at The Standard. “Our research shows that when employers address women’s financial and mental health needs during and following leave, they build a more loyal, engaged and productive workforce.”

Key findings from The Standard’s proprietary research include:

• Financial and emotional toll: 59% of women say taking leave negatively affected their finances and 36% report negative effects on their emotional health.
• Mental health matters: Nearly a quarter of women take leave for mental health and it is the top reason women don’t return to work.
• Women take more leave than men: 53% of women report taking a leave of one month or more, compared to 47% of men.
• Accommodations make a difference: Women who receive employer accommodations experience fewer negative effects on their productivity and finances.
• Communication gap: While 61% of women say their employer makes accommodations for pregnancy, only 44% feel supported for broader women’s health issues.

Considerations for employers:

• Embed support in company culture: Ensure leave and options for accommodations are openly discussed and valued.
• Communicate benefits clearly: Make sure women know about company resources for health, caregiving and financial wellness.
• Offer comprehensive return-to-work programs: Flexible, empathetic processes help women reintegrate and stay productive.
• Prioritize mental health: Provide access to counseling, paid mental health days and employee resource groups.

“Leave is meant to help workers, but too often it comes at a cost for women and their families,” Malagamba said. “Employers who invest in targeted support not only help women succeed but they also strengthen their entire organization.”

For more information and to access the research, visit standard.com.

Survey methodology

On behalf of The Standard, a third-party research firm conducted a 15-minute online survey of 5,000 participants, most of whom currently receive some employee benefits.

• Fielded: ~70% women (3,468) and ~30% men (1,523)
• Ages: 18 – 70
• Field dates: March 10 – 27, 2025

About The Standard

Established in 1906, The Standard is a family of companies dedicated to helping customers achieve financial well-being and peace of mind. We are a leading provider of financial protection products and services for employers and individual customers. Our products include group and individual disability insurance, group life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, group dental and group vision insurance, absence management and paid family leave services, retirement plans products and services and annuities for employers and individual customers. For more information about The Standard, visit standard.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.