Nearly half of Canadian women employees say they’re dissatisfied with their organizations’ support during maternity leave, according to a survey by Maturn.

The survey, which polled more than 1,000 women, found two-fifths (39 per cent) didn’t receive a top up. Among the 59 per cent who said they received some form of paid leave, the benefits rarely extended beyond their paycheque, with critical support services such as childcare assistance, counselling and coaching programs for transitioning back to work, notably absent.

Read: More Canadian employers topping up maternity leave benefits than parental leave benefits: survey

Half (49 per cent) of respondents reported the most challenging part of maternity leave related to their career was the feeling of having to prove themselves upon their return, while a third (36 per cent) said it was the fear of being sidelined by their organization. More than two-fifths (47 per cent) said an overall transition and communications plan would’ve improved their transition to maternity leave and return to work.

More than half (52 per cent) said they were anxious about returning to work after maternity leave, while 43 per cent said they felt stressed and 41 per cent said they felt overwhelmed. A third (33 per cent) said the most challenging part of maternity leave related to their career is a loss of confidence in their abilities.

While 60 per cent of respondents said better childcare support would’ve made their transition back to work easier, just six per cent said their workplace offered onsite childcare. Indeed, half (50 per cent) said they need help juggling motherhood and leadership, while 43 per cent said overall flexibility would’ve improved their transition to maternity leave and return to work.

Read: SAP launching digital platform to support mothers taking maternity leave