Maternity break – sounds like a pause, a break, a breather, right? Well, think again. If you’ve ever assumed that maternity leave is some kind of vacation, you’re not alone, but you’re quite far from the truth.
While those six months of maternity leave may appear to be a blissful escape, in reality, it’s more like a rollercoaster ride through uncharted territory. It’s a journey filled with sleepless nights, diaper changes, and the emotional ups and downs of new motherhood. During this time, women aren’t just physically recovering; they’re mastering the art of multitasking, crisis management, and patience.
They’re learning the ropes of motherhood, often while dealing with postpartum recovery, fluctuating hormones, and a complete shift in their daily responsibilities. It’s like an intensive internship in reallife problem-solving.
Regrettably, many individuals and organizations perceive this crucial time as a “career pause.”
However, it’s anything but that.
And here’s a sobering statistic: Nearly 73% of Indian women leave their jobs after giving birth. Of those who return, only 16% advance to leadership roles. Surprisingly, 91% of women who take a break want to return to work, but 72% hesitate to return to the same employer.
Now, why is this happening?
- Cultural Norms: Societal expectations often pressure women to prioritize family over career.
- Lack of Support: The absence of adequate childcare facilities and comprehensive support systems poses significant obstacles for working mothers.
- Lack of Flexibility: Many organizations still lag behind in offering flexible work options that cater to the needs of mothers.
So, what can organizations do to support working mothers and retain female talent? It’s simple – they can C.A.R.E.
Connect
Staying in touch during maternity leave can make a world of a difference. Congratulating them on their journey, inquiring about their well-being, or celebrating any project successescan help women feel connected and alleviate anxiety about being away from work.
Acclimatize
It’s about offering comprehensive healthcare packages, relevant training, mentorship programs, and creating communities for working mothers. These initiatives address the physical and emotional needs of women during this critical phase, providing invaluable support.
Reaffirm
To ease the transition back to work, organizations can offer options like remote work, parttime hours, and secure performance rating programs upon their return. Reducing the pressure during this transition can significantly increase retention rates.
Ease
Creating essential facilities such as nursing spaces and daycare centers can empower mothers to focus on work without worrying about their children’s well-being. We often expect women to excel at both work and raising children. But for working mothers, these roles aren’t mutually exclusive. A supportive workplace can make all the difference in retaining and nurturing the female workforce.
So, let’s stop viewing maternity breaks as mere “breaks.” Instead, let’s recognize them as transformative periods filled with growth opportunities. By doing so, we pave the way for a more equitable and prosperous future.
Rashi Goel is an independent consultant who is making profound impact in the world of HR. With a focus on learning & development, diversity and inclusion and HR strategy, she brings a wealth of expertise to organizations seeking to enhance their inclusivity efforts. As an MBA in HR from Xavier’s Institute of Management, Bhubaneshwar, an Avtar Certified Diversity Auditor and a Govt. of India recognized POSH resource person, she channels her energy towards advocating for inclusion of women, persons with disabilities and the LGBTQ+ community. She has been recognized amongst 22 Women Achievers of 2022 by HR Association of India.
