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One of the Worst Ten Bosses:
The Maternity Menace
Story submitted by Monika
When I came back from maternity leave, I was doing my best to juggle work and being a new mum.
One morning I was two minutes late. My boss immediately scolded me, made me feel like I was pathetic and letting the team down.
What cut deepest was the double standard. Her own daughter worked there too, and when she was late, the boss was full of sympathy and excuses for her. For me, it was harsh words and judgment. It wasn’t equal, and it wasn’t fair.
At the time I felt crushed, but that experience also lit a fire in me. I eventually left and started a social enterprise to help other mums build their careers and follow their passions.
I didn’t want any other woman to be made to feel the way I was.
👀 Our Take
Scolding a new mum for being late while excusing her own daughter is bias in plain sight. It corrodes trust.
🧠 Could this have been avoided?
Entirely. Fair, consistent treatment and support for returning parents is the foundation of inclusive leadership.
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