Mumbai: A new report has brought attention to a deeply personal issue that often remains unspoken in workplaces despite affecting millions of women across the country. The study, titled “Cost of Silence,” released by Quest Global in collaboration with YouGov, highlights the emotional, professional, and psychological challenges women face following pregnancy loss and calls for greater awareness and support within corporate environments.
The findings reveal a significant gap between workplace expectations and the support available to women navigating one of life’s most difficult experiences. According to the report, nearly 78 million working women worry that disclosing a miscarriage or pregnancy loss could negatively affect their career progression, professional reputation, or job security. Such concerns often compel employees to remain silent about their experiences, even when they require emotional support or time to recover.
The report also indicates that approximately 70 million women may consider leaving their jobs if they do not receive adequate workplace support after experiencing pregnancy loss. These findings underscore the broader implications of the issue, not only for employee well-being but also for workforce retention, productivity, and organizational culture.
Industry leaders believe that pregnancy loss should no longer be treated solely as a personal matter but recognized as a workplace concern that requires empathy, policy support, and open dialogue.
Commenting on the findings, Ajit Prabhu, Co-founder and CEO of Quest Global, emphasized that pregnancy loss extends beyond health and wellness considerations. According to him, it directly impacts workforce participation, employee engagement, and organizational productivity. He stressed the need for companies to acknowledge the reality faced by many women and create environments where employees feel safe discussing their challenges without fear of judgment or professional consequences.
To address this issue, Quest Global has launched the “Break the Silence” campaign, an initiative designed to encourage conversations around pregnancy loss in professional settings and reduce the stigma often associated with the subject. The campaign aims to foster awareness among employers, managers, and employees while promoting a more compassionate workplace culture.
As part of its commitment to employee well-being, Quest Global has partnered with mental health and wellness platform YourDOST to introduce several support measures. These include a 24-hour confidential helpline, professional counseling services, and dedicated support circles that provide employees with a safe space to share experiences and seek guidance during emotionally challenging times.
Corporate leaders involved in the initiative believe that timely emotional and psychological support can significantly influence recovery and long-term professional confidence. Many women who experience pregnancy loss often continue fulfilling professional responsibilities while privately coping with grief, stress, and emotional trauma. Without adequate support systems, these challenges can affect both personal well-being and workplace performance.
Yumi Clevenger-Lee, Chief Strategy Officer at Quest Global, highlighted the human dimension behind the statistics. She noted that every number in the report represents an individual facing a difficult life experience while attempting to move forward professionally. According to her, creating supportive workplace structures can help women navigate these challenges with dignity and confidence.
Experts increasingly recognize that inclusive workplaces must address a wide range of employee experiences, including those related to reproductive health and emotional well-being. Conversations around maternity benefits, parental support, and mental health have gained momentum in recent years, and pregnancy loss is now emerging as an important area requiring similar attention.
The report serves as a reminder that workplace inclusivity goes beyond policies and procedures. It involves fostering a culture of empathy, understanding, and support where employees feel valued during both professional achievements and personal hardships.
As organizations continue to prioritize employee well-being and diversity, initiatives such as “Break the Silence” are helping to bring a sensitive issue into mainstream corporate discourse. More than a workplace initiative, the movement is encouraging a broader societal conversation about compassion, mental health, and the need to support women through one of life’s most challenging experiences.
With growing awareness and meaningful action, advocates hope that future workplaces will become more understanding, inclusive, and responsive to the realities faced by women experiencing pregnancy loss.
