Don't go on maternity leave - Finance Business Partner CBRE Employee Review

my experience took a negative turn after I returned from maternity leave. Upon my return, I was unexpectedly demoted from my position, without clear explanation or justification. I was reassigned to an administrative role, a significant step backward in both responsibility and professional development. This shift in role felt like a direct consequence of my maternity leave and underscored a lack of support for working mothers at CBRE. The company’s treatment of employees returning from parental leave highlights a broader issue of gender inequality—where taking maternity leave seemed to result in an automatic devaluation of my skills and professional experience, despite my proven track record prior to my leave. Unfortunately, my experience at CBRE reflected a larger pattern of how women, particularly mothers, are often penalized in the workplace when it comes to career advancement. The lack of flexibility and understanding in supporting employees returning from maternity leave suggests that CBRE has not fully embraced the principles of equality and inclusivity. A company that values diversity and growth should ensure that all employees, regardless of gender or parental status, are given the same opportunities to thrive.