Want to Retain Skilled Workers? Make Your Workplace Pregnancy-Friendly
As more and more workers in America continue to age, many will be retiring and leaving the jobs they've had. The number of experienced workers who are younger is much lower than previous generations have experienced, and businesses may face the problem of retaining skilled workers .
According to a study by the March of Dimes, over 2 million women who are presently working have babies every year. This means that employers have two choices - they can make their business policies friendlier to pregnant women, or risk losing these skilled workers from their employment, said the March of Dimes in a recent press release.
It is a difficult choice that many women must confront. Should they return to work, or stay home with their new infant? Many women simply cannot afford to remain home. These women could be the breadwinner for their family, or help provide the financial support that their family needs.
Nearly all, approximately 90 percent, of employers who have more than 50 workers also offer some type of a health program to promote employee health. These program usually save their businesses far more than the cost of the program itself.
As the population in America continues to age, and the number of skilled workers diminishes, making workplaces pregnancy and family friendly is even more important than ever before. Workers are more productive when they know that their employer cares about them, and is taking steps to make their work life less stressful, more meaningful, and comfortable.
The workforce of today is compromised of millions of women of childbearing age. Indeed, 46 percent of today's workforce are women of childbearing age.
Of this group of women, the March of Dimes said that every year, approximately 5 percent of the women of childbearing age will have a baby. The number of babies born to women who are currently in the workforce is approximately half, or 50 percent, of all of the babies that are born every year.
While many women work because they want to, there are also many women who are unable to stay home with their children and must work to help support, or provide full support, for their families.
According to a study by the March of Dimes, over 2 million women who are presently working have babies every year. This means that employers have two choices - they can make their business policies friendlier to pregnant women, or risk losing these skilled workers from their employment, said the March of Dimes in a recent press release.
It is a difficult choice that many women must confront. Should they return to work, or stay home with their new infant? Many women simply cannot afford to remain home. These women could be the breadwinner for their family, or help provide the financial support that their family needs.
Nearly all, approximately 90 percent, of employers who have more than 50 workers also offer some type of a health program to promote employee health. These program usually save their businesses far more than the cost of the program itself.
As the population in America continues to age, and the number of skilled workers diminishes, making workplaces pregnancy and family friendly is even more important than ever before. Workers are more productive when they know that their employer cares about them, and is taking steps to make their work life less stressful, more meaningful, and comfortable.
The workforce of today is compromised of millions of women of childbearing age. Indeed, 46 percent of today's workforce are women of childbearing age.
Of this group of women, the March of Dimes said that every year, approximately 5 percent of the women of childbearing age will have a baby. The number of babies born to women who are currently in the workforce is approximately half, or 50 percent, of all of the babies that are born every year.
While many women work because they want to, there are also many women who are unable to stay home with their children and must work to help support, or provide full support, for their families.
Comments
Excellent ideas!
If I find out your pregnent working for me, I have to lay you off immediatly. But will bring you back after the baby is born when your ready. Too many chemical fumes here, don't even want you in the building so no "light duty" either. Just go, as soon as you find out. Better safe than sorry.
Telecommuting can also be a great bridge between the new mom and the workplace.
Russia allows mothers a 1.5 years for maternity leave. Then again this is why they dislike hiring them to start.
I think due to the economic stresses of today a family needs two or three incomes. If a woman chooses to stay home I support that decision as well.
:-)
This is so true. America needs to get on board with making workplaces pregnancy friendly. I was the first pregnant employee at the company I worked for and fortunately they were wonderful, but I have heard horror stories. Great article!
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