Discrimination against employees with children is widespread across the Baltics, according to the latest survey by the online recruitment company "Alma Career". This view is held by 40% of Latvian employees, and by more than half in the neighbouring countries – 53% in Estonia and 57% of the employees surveyed in Lithuania. Of these, more than 90% of employees in each country said that they had either experienced a discriminatory situation themselves or personally knew someone who had encountered one in the labour market.

"Alma Career" survey of Baltic employees on discrimination in the labour market (10.2025).

The Latvian survey results also reveal a high proportion of employees who find it difficult to judge whether parents are discriminated against. Among working parents, 28% gave this answer, and among employees without children, 39%. This indicates that discrimination often still goes unseen in society – especially among those who have no children themselves.

"The survey data reveal divided opinions in society – 40% see discrimination, 24% deny it, and 36% are unsure. The fact that more than a third of Latvian employees do not know whether discrimination exists is almost as troubling as the discrimination itself. It shows that discrimination is a 'silent' problem – it is discussed openly less often, and employees are not always able to recognise and assess it," emphasises Krista Roziņa, Head of Marketing and Communications at "Alma Career Latvia".

At the Baltic level, the data show that discrimination against employees with children is widespread:

· In Latvia – 45% have experienced discrimination themselves, and 46% personally know someone who has experienced it;

· In Lithuania – 63% have experienced it personally, and 30% know someone who has experienced it;

· In Estonia – 47% have experienced it personally, and 47% know someone who has encountered it.

In Latvia, discrimination is most often observed when applying for a job, in unequal or poorer treatment by management and colleagues, or after parental leave, when poorer working or job conditions are offered.

Alongside the experiences of parents, the survey also reveals the opposite view. In Latvia, almost one in four employees believes that it is in fact employees with children who are given more favourable conditions. Stereotypes persist in the workplace – parents more often face limits on their career opportunities, while colleagues without children are frequently given a heavier workload, on the assumption that they have more free time.

"These results reveal discrimination that runs both ways – parents often feel restricted in their career development, while employees without children feel overloaded, as greater availability and flexibility is frequently expected of them. The survey data confirm that the Baltic labour market needs broader dialogue and a better understanding of equality. Employers must build an inclusive culture in which duties and flexibility are allocated according to capacity, not assumptions. Companies that manage to provide such an approach and balance will, in the long term, gain more loyal and motivated employees," says Roziņa.

The survey was conducted online in October 2025 in all the Baltic states. It involved 2,301 respondents, 858 of them employees in Latvia. The survey results point to a common trend across the region – questions of work-life balance remain one of the most significant challenges to an equal working environment in the Baltics.