A growing number of working women are reporting mental, physical, and emotional health challenges in today’s workplace. According to Deloitte’s Women at Work 2025 report, based on insights from 7,500 women across 15 countries, only half of women say their mental health is good, and just four in 10 feel able to truly disconnect from work. The challenges stem from multiple pressures—ranging from lack of childcare and safety concerns to microaggressions and non-inclusive behavior—yet many women feel unable to speak up, fearing negative judgment from managers.
Why Employers Are Failing Working Women
The research highlights a clear gap between what women need and what employers provide. Nearly a third of women worry about their personal safety at work, while more than a third face harassment or non-inclusive behavior. Yet confidence in employer action remains low, with only one in 10 believing their concerns will be addressed. At home, women still shoulder a “double burden,” managing household, childcare, and eldercare duties even when they are primary earners. Limited access to affordable childcare and unequal parental leave worsen the strain, leading to lost productivity and higher turnover risk.
The Impact on Health and Retention
The strain on working women is not just emotional but also physical. Fewer than 60% report positive physical health, and one in four face challenges related to menstruation, menopause, or fertility—often working through significant pain without support. Only one in 10 believe their manager would know how to respond to these issues. Unsurprisingly, retention is becoming a crisis: just 5% of women plan to stay with their employer beyond five years. Career growth, flexibility, fair pay, and inclusive policies are the top factors influencing their decisions to stay.
Building a Better Future for Working Women
For employers, the message is clear: supporting working women is not optional, it’s essential. Companies that want to attract and retain female talent must address mental health openly, provide affordable childcare, ensure equal parental leave, and create a culture of safety and inclusivity. These changes not only improve women’s well-being but also drive business results. Deloitte estimates care-related productivity losses alone cost businesses over $16.5 billion annually. Investing in women’s success is investing in long-term organizational resilience and growth.
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