How to Make Returning to Work Easy for Working Parents
In this Ovia Asks podcast episode, pumpspotting’s founder and CEO, Amy VanHaren, shares her thoughts and perspectives on the importance of supporting new parents as they return to work - especially breastfeeding mothers. How can employers improve parental support, recruit the best talent and refine their return to work programs?
Communicate
As an employer, we know that you want to do what’s best for your employees. The easiest way to do that is to ask what they need. At pumpspotting, we’ve had hundreds of powerful conversations with working parents. From a comfortable lactation space, to clear milk expression policies, to a climate supportive of breastfeeding, each person brings their own set of unique needs and desires back to work after they have a baby. Don’t be afraid to ask what they need––when they tell you, it will be better for everyone.
“We don’t always know where we’re going, but we always know who we serve.”
Empathize
The simplest, most cost-effective way to support the new parents in your workplace is to empathize with them. Acknowledge their challenges. Ask them how they’re doing. Be mindful of the language you use. Practicing empathy at work not only builds better teams but also makes for happier customers.
“Feeding and parenting a human is human. We can’t underestimate the importance of that.”
Be flexible
As parents return to work after having a baby, their needs will likely have shifted. They might need more flexibility to express breastmilk, take their babies to medical appointments, and manage daycare pick ups and drop offs. Demonstrating a willingness to work with your employees in a flexible way will acknowledge your employees not only as team members but also as parents, and the gains can be enormous in the areas of retention and morale.
Learn more
It’s powerful to support your working parents. You can reduce turnover, sick leave, and medical claims for both baby and mom. All the while, you’ll be increasing retention and productivity while also investing in your employer brand.
A total breastfeeding support program is needed to help feeding parents achieve their goals. In addition to safe and comfortable milk expression facilities, the best accommodation programs also include policy, procedure, access to a community of peers as well as expert advice from lactation consultants.
Whether you need a breastfeeding policy, lactation facilities audits or the pumpspotting app to implement and promote your breastfeeding support program, we’re here to help.