Teaching Notes: The maternity penalty: return to work denied in a high-growth startup Available to Purchase

This case follows Aditi Sharma, a high-performing marketing leader at a fashion-tech startup, Meraki, as she prepares to return from a year-long maternity leave, with 6 months paid and 6 months unpaid, all pre-approved and communicated. Despite a strong track record and a recent 35% salary hike, Aditi was unexpectedly asked to re-interview for her role and complete an assignment to reassess her suitability.

She was later informed that her year-long caregiving “gap” rendered her unfit for the role. She was presented with an ultimatum to resign with a backdated letter. Aditi must now weigh her options – resign quietly,...