South African Women Seek Flexible Careers As Workplace Barriers Persist

A comprehensive survey from RecruitMyMom has shed light on the evolving landscape of women's careers in South Africa, revealing a stark disconnect between ambitious aspirations and the realities of workplace flexibility, Cape town Etc reports.

The 2025 Working Women's Report, which involved insights from 3 742 skilled women across the country, underscores a growing discontent among women who are increasingly seeking flexible job opportunities as they navigate their desires for career progression and financial security.

The study, the largest of its kind to span various ages and racial groups in South Africa, highlights a striking reality where 86 of respondents are keen on advancing their careers, yet almost half of them are actively looking for new positions that offer greater flexibility.

Flexibility has emerged as a critical retention tool, noted the report, which captured responses garnered between November 2024 and February 2025, reflecting a 52 increase in participation from previous years.

As work dynamics shift, particularly with many organisations pivoting back to in-person work models, a staggering 84 of women expressed they would seek new employment when flexibility is compromised.