Irish Wedding News
20/05/2015
More than half of first-time mums, working in junior positions before going on maternity leave, feel they received the "bare minimum" of support from their employer, a new survey has found.
The research, by AXA PPP healthcare and Netmums, revealed that 59% of women in entry level positions said their employer had not provided any support beyond what was legally required in the run up to their maternity leave.
For new mums working in senior positions, this fell to 21%.
The study also found that the provisions made by employers to support new mothers varied depending on seniority. For example, 23% of entry level employees were offered 'keeping in touch days' during their maternity leave, but this jumped to 46% for management level staff and 54% for senior executives. Meanwhile, just 19% of entry level workers were given advice about going on maternity leave, compared to 30% of management level employees.
Furthermore, after giving birth to their child, entry level workers were more stressed. 45% said they had been feeling stressed since becoming a mother, with 23% of senior executives saying the same.
A recently published report, commissioned by Maternal Mental Health Alliance found that between 10% and 20% of women develop a mental illness during pregnancy, or within the first year after having a baby.
Dr Mark Winwood, director of psychological services for AXA PPP healthcare, said: "These illnesses can have a devastating impact on women and their families if left untreated.
"The perceived disparity in the support employers offer to first time mums before they go on maternity leave is alarming – particularly when you consider the impact this may have on the individual's mental health. Indeed, this 'ambivalence of worth' by employers could be contributing to significant self-esteem issues for some mums to be."
"Employers would be wise to ensure they support all of their employees equally at this transformative time in their lives and careers. They should also remember their legal duty of care to ensure that they conduct an appropriate and regular risk assessment process for all employees who notify them of their pregnancy to ensure that they are offered suitable support and workplace adjustments to help them remain safe at work – irrespective of their position within the organisation.
He added: "Helping employees to prepare for their maternity leave, and supporting them during their time away from work, can help them feel more positive about coming back to work once they are ready. For example, offering 'keeping in touch' days during maternity leave can help to ensure that new mums still feel part of the working community, encouraging them to return to work, bringing their wide ranging skills with them."
(JP)
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Women Feel 'Unsupported' Before Going On Maternity Leave
More than half of first-time mums, working in junior positions before going on maternity leave, feel they received the "bare minimum" of support from their employer, a new survey has found.
The research, by AXA PPP healthcare and Netmums, revealed that 59% of women in entry level positions said their employer had not provided any support beyond what was legally required in the run up to their maternity leave.
For new mums working in senior positions, this fell to 21%.
The study also found that the provisions made by employers to support new mothers varied depending on seniority. For example, 23% of entry level employees were offered 'keeping in touch days' during their maternity leave, but this jumped to 46% for management level staff and 54% for senior executives. Meanwhile, just 19% of entry level workers were given advice about going on maternity leave, compared to 30% of management level employees.
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Furthermore, after giving birth to their child, entry level workers were more stressed. 45% said they had been feeling stressed since becoming a mother, with 23% of senior executives saying the same.
A recently published report, commissioned by Maternal Mental Health Alliance found that between 10% and 20% of women develop a mental illness during pregnancy, or within the first year after having a baby.
Dr Mark Winwood, director of psychological services for AXA PPP healthcare, said: "These illnesses can have a devastating impact on women and their families if left untreated.
"The perceived disparity in the support employers offer to first time mums before they go on maternity leave is alarming – particularly when you consider the impact this may have on the individual's mental health. Indeed, this 'ambivalence of worth' by employers could be contributing to significant self-esteem issues for some mums to be."
"Employers would be wise to ensure they support all of their employees equally at this transformative time in their lives and careers. They should also remember their legal duty of care to ensure that they conduct an appropriate and regular risk assessment process for all employees who notify them of their pregnancy to ensure that they are offered suitable support and workplace adjustments to help them remain safe at work – irrespective of their position within the organisation.
He added: "Helping employees to prepare for their maternity leave, and supporting them during their time away from work, can help them feel more positive about coming back to work once they are ready. For example, offering 'keeping in touch' days during maternity leave can help to ensure that new mums still feel part of the working community, encouraging them to return to work, bringing their wide ranging skills with them."
(JP)
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Susanna Reid's Mother's Day Plans
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