The Burnout No One Talks About: Why Working Moms Are Exhausted—And What We Can Do About It

I Used to Believe I Could Do It All

I thought I could manage work, keep my family life running smoothly, and somehow still show up for myself.

But behind the scenes? I was barely hanging on.

I’d answer emails late into the night after putting my son to bed.
I’d wedge dentist appointments between meetings and skip meals just to stay caught up.
I kept telling myself it was temporary—that “balance” was just around the corner.

But I was burned out.
And I didn’t even realize it.

The Truth Is in the Data

This isn’t just my story—it’s a reality for so many women in the workplace:

📊 Women who manage both work and personal responsibilities daily are 81% more likely to feel burned out
📊 36% of full-time working women report a mismatch between their ideal and actual work styles
📊 Only 26% of women strongly agree their organization cares about their well-being

(Source: Gallup)

These aren’t small numbers.
They reflect a systemic issue that continues to cost women their health, their energy, and too often—their careers.

Why This Matters Now More Than Ever

During my recent trip to Washington, D.C., I participated in the launch of the WOHASU® Women in the Workplace initiative with Gallup. The conversations we had there were deeply affirming—and also incredibly urgent.

Women—especially mothers—need more than well-meaning policies or wellness slogans.
We need workplace cultures that recognize our full lives and actively support our success.

How Organizations Can Start Doing Better

✅ Design flexible, informed policies that reflect real needs, not assumptions
✅ Train and equip managers to support employees navigating work and life
✅ Build a culture of well-being where care isn’t performative—it’s prioritized

Because when women thrive, everyone benefits.
Innovation grows. Retention improves. Engagement deepens.

💬 What’s One Way You’ve Reclaimed Balance?

Whether you're a working parent, people leader, or DEIB advocate—your experience matters.

📥 Reach out if your organization is ready to build a culture where well-being and performance go hand in hand.
Let’s co-create workplaces that don’t burn people out, but lift them up.

👉 Explore my well-being and inclusion consulting services
👉 Book a keynote or workshop on workplace equity
👉 Subscribe to The Happiness Shift for weekly insights into inclusive, purpose-driven leadership

Sparkle On, Changemakers. ✨
We deserve better—and together, we can build it.