A new report has drawn attention to a largely overlooked issue in India’s corporate sector, revealing the significant professional and emotional challenges faced by women who experience pregnancy loss. The findings have sparked conversations about the need for more supportive and compassionate workplace policies.
The report, titled The Cost of Silence, was released by Quest Global in collaboration with research firm YouGov. It examines how miscarriage and other forms of pregnancy loss affect working women and their experiences in professional environments. The study suggests that the impact extends far beyond personal grief, influencing career decisions, workplace confidence and long-term well-being.
According to the report, nearly 78 million working women believe that disclosing a pregnancy loss at work could negatively affect their career progression or job security. Many respondents expressed concerns about being perceived differently by managers or colleagues after sharing such experiences. As a result, a large number of women choose to remain silent, often dealing with emotional distress without adequate workplace support.
The findings also reveal that around 70 million women may consider leaving their jobs if they do not receive sufficient understanding and assistance from their employers during this difficult period. Experts say these figures highlight the broader organisational and economic implications of pregnancy loss, including employee retention, productivity and workplace engagement.
Ajit Prabhu, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Quest Global, said the issue should no longer be viewed solely through the lens of employee well-being. According to him, pregnancy loss also affects workforce participation and organisational productivity. He stressed that businesses need to recognise the reality faced by millions of women and create environments where employees feel safe discussing their experiences.
To address the issue, Quest Global has launched its “Break the Silence” campaign. The initiative aims to encourage open conversations around pregnancy loss and promote greater awareness among employers and employees. The campaign seeks to reduce stigma and ensure that women receive the emotional and practical support they need during challenging times.
As part of its efforts, the company has partnered with mental health platform YourDOST to introduce a range of support services. These include a 24-hour helpline, confidential counselling sessions and dedicated support circles for employees affected by pregnancy loss. The objective is to provide professional assistance while creating a sense of community and understanding within the workplace.
Yumi Clevenger-Lee, Chief Strategy Officer at Quest Global, emphasised that every statistic in the report represents a real person coping with loss. She noted that many women continue to fulfil professional responsibilities while privately dealing with emotional pain. Timely support, she said, can play a crucial role in helping individuals recover and continue their careers with confidence.
The report has generated widespread discussion because it highlights an issue that is often absent from corporate policies and workplace conversations. As organisations increasingly focus on diversity, inclusion and employee well-being, experts believe pregnancy loss support could become an important component of future workplace strategies.
More than a corporate initiative, the campaign represents a broader effort to create workplaces that are empathetic, inclusive and responsive to the realities faced by women. The report serves as a reminder that addressing sensitive issues openly can lead to healthier employees, stronger organisations and a more supportive professional culture.
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