Orlando, Fla. -- Women's participation in the labor market is at its lowest level in 30 years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Working mothers have been particularly vulnerable to leaving their jobs since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Women have come a long way, but research shows that the struggle is still real for many working moms.

"All the problems that existed before the COVID-19 pandemic have gotten worse," exclaims UCF doctoral student Matthew Ng.

Fifty-three percent sleep less than six hours a night and 23 percent say they don't have time for self-care. Forty-eight percent of mothers surveyed said parenting challenges and personal mental health issues prompted them to leave their jobs or go part-time.

But employers can prevent them from leaving in a number of ways and Working Mom Time Management.

First, partnerships need to be strengthened. One study found that 70 percent of women who work full-time do all or most of their care. In addition, better maternity pay legislation could help new mothers stay in the workplace.

The family Sick Leave Act of 1993 did grant women up to 12 weeks of unpaid job-protected maternity leave, but about 40 percent of American workers don't even qualify for that benefit.

Moms also cited flexible schedules, telecommuting options and paid leave as factors employers can implement to simplify their roles so they can stay on track. Studies show that the challenges facing working mothers are more pronounced among low-income women and women of color.

According to the Center for American Progress, if moms don't go back to work, the U.S. will lose $64.5 billion!