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In 2022, twice as many women left the workforce compared to men the previous year, as reported by a survey conducted by Motherly. This alarming trend emphasises the pressing need for employers to address the challenges working mums face in today’s workforce.
Indeed, many working mums are dissatisfied with their work environments due to employers’ failure to accommodate the needs of mothers, including issues related to childcare and healthcare.
To support working moms effectively, employers can implement the following measures:
1. Maternity Leaves
As an employer:
-Offer maternity leave policies that exceed legal requirements, providing ample time off for working mums to recover from childbirth and bond with their newborns.
– Ensure that maternity leave is fully paid or supplemented with benefits to alleviate financial burdens on new mothers.
– Provide clear guidelines and support for mothers returning to work after maternity leave, including phased return options or flexible schedules.
2. Flexible Working Hours
Also, it is important that employers:
Do provide flexible work arrangements, such as part-time schedules or adjusted hours, telecommuting, flextime, or compressed workweeks, to accommodate the different needs of working mums and facilitate better work-life balance.
– Establish clear communication channels and performance metrics to ensure accountability and productivity in flexible work arrangements.
– Train managers and supervisors on effectively managing remote teams and promoting work-life balance among employees.
3. Promotion
– Implement transparent and merit-based promotion processes that reward employees based on their skills, performance, and contributions rather than tenure or availability.
– Offer leadership development programs and mentorship opportunities to help employees, including working parents, advance in their careers and take on leadership roles.
4. Inclusivity
– Foster a culture of inclusivity and respect where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work.
– Implement diversity and inclusion training programs to raise awareness of unconscious biases and promote understanding and empathy among employees.
5. Breastfeeding Room
– Designate a dedicated breastfeeding room with comfortable seating, privacy screens, refrigerator, etc for nursing mothers.
– Ensure the room is easily accessible and located in a quiet and secure area to provide a supportive environment for breastfeeding or expressing milk.
6. Office Creche
Furthermore, employers should: Consider establishing an on-site childcare facility or partnering with nearby daycare centres to provide convenient and affordable childcare options for employees.
– Offer subsidies or discounts for childcare services to alleviate financial burdens on working parents and promote workforce retention and productivity.
– Ensure that the childcare facility meets safety and regulatory standards and provides a nurturing and stimulating environment for children.
Also Read: 10 Work From Home Jobs For Mums
7. Paternity Leave
– Give fathers time off to bond with their newborns. Offer paternity leave policies that provide paid time off for fathers. This enables them bond with their newborns and support their partners postpartum.
– Educate managers and colleagues on the importance of paternity leave in supporting gender equality and promoting shared caregiving responsibilities within families.
8. Remote Or Hybrid Working Options
-Allow employees to work from home or a combination of home and office.
-Provide necessary technology and guidelines for practical remote work.
In conclusion, employers can create a more efficient and inclusive work environment that enables working mothers to thrive personally and professionally by implementing these measures.
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