The proof is in ELIXR’s research.
the first-Ever study
Connecting Matresence & Workplace Success
The Science of Modern Motherhood:
A Research Analysis on Matrescence and Its Evolving Workplace Support
Matrescence—the transformation of motherhood—is one of the most profound identity shifts a person can experience, yet corporate policies and workplace systems have largely ignored its impact. This gap has led to avoidable talent loss, weakened leadership pipelines, and workforce well-being challenges.
ELIXR’s research quantifies how matrescence shapes career progression, retention, and productivity, offering a data-driven roadmap for HR, benefits leaders, and workforce strategists to build inclusive cultures, redesign policies, and unlock the full potential of working mothers as leaders and contributors.
Grounded in decades of research, we now understand that motherhood isn’t a singular event but a continuous evolution—one that shapes cognition, identity, and leadership capacity across a lifetime.
What did the research uncover?
Understanding matrescence as a lifelong workforce imperative
A Paradigm Shift FOR Workplace Success
As the first-ever study to connect matrescence with workplace success, The Science of Modern Motherhood introduces a new framework for retaining and empowering working mothers at every career stage.
Our executive summary of this research unpacks the structural gaps in workplace support and offers data-driven strategies to help organizations create sustainable, high-retention workplaces for working mothers.
The Three Pillars of Motherhood
A New framework for the dimensions of impact
To create meaningful workplace transformations, organizations must first recognize the full scope of motherhood’s impact – beyond caregiving – to its cognitive, emotional, and tactical dimensions.
The Five Phases of Matrescence:
A Strategic Workforce Model
Rather than treating motherhood as a temporary disruption, ELIXR’s research identifies five distinct phases of matrescence, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities for organizations to enhance workforce engagement.
Recognizing matresence in the workforce is an untapped opportunity for organizations to strengthen leadership, retention, and workforce engagement.
Rather than treating motherhood as a temporary disruption, ELIXR’s research identifies a strategic opportunity for companies willing to evolve their policies, culture, and leadership approach.
89%
respondents identified as parents, demonstrating the widespread relevance of maternal workforce challenges.
58%
of working mothers hold full-time jobs, yet most employers still lack career mobility and leadership pathways tailored for mothers.
85%
of mothers struggle to find personal time, highlighting the relentless pressure of balancing career, caregiving, and self-care.
71%
cite the "invisible load" of household duties as a major stressor, emphasizing the need for employer policies that support equitable caregiving.
Investing in mothers isn’t just about advancing greater equity in workplaces.
It is also a business imperative to fuel workforce sustainability, leadership growth, and long-term future success.
If you’re a working mother wondering how this research applies to you…
We’ve translated our research into a practical, actionable guide—so you don’t have to navigate this journey alone.
A Research-Backed Guide & Interactive Workbook
This resource guide for work and life is designed to help you:
✔ Navigate the five phases of matrescence with confidence
✔ Reframe your inner dialogue and build self-leadership skills
✔ Align your ambition with your evolving identity
✔ Implement science-backed strategies for well-being, career growth, and balance
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