Having a child is a monumental event in a woman’s life and can be a truly rewarding experience. But the flip side of new motherhood is that it brings added responsibility, stress and, for some women, mental health issues. For working women, the challenges of being a new mother are multiplied.
New and expectant mothers go through a variety of emotional and physical challenges that make it difficult for them to perform their day-to-day work.
For instance, sleep deprivation can affect their well-being and productivity, and concerns about returning to work and job security can be significant sources of stress. As if these challenges weren’t enough, a large number of new and soon-to-be mothers experience perinatal mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
22% of new and expectant mothers in India suffer from perinatal* depression.
*during pregnancy and up to 1 year after giving birth
If your organisation cares about employee well-being, it’s essential to consider the needs of new and expectant mothers. By offering women the support they need at this important time in their lives, you can help them thrive in your organisation and earn the appreciation, respect, and loyalty of your people.
Supporting new and soon-to-be mothers
Organisations are increasingly realising the importance of employee wellness. What’s more, companies have come to understand that focusing on employee mental health can improve performance and retention. Research shows that 82% of Indian companies believe mental health can significantly impact business outcomes.
So, what can you do to bolster the wellness of new mothers in your workplace?
Start by building the right culture
This won’t happen overnight, but every step in the right direction matters. The societal expectations around motherhood can make many mothers hesitate to speak up about the difficulties they face, leaving them struggling with feelings of shame. By encouraging conversations and gradually building an open culture around mental health in your workplace, you can encourage new mothers—and employees in general—to feel comfortable speaking up about their needs and challenges. One way to do this is for senior leaders to be open about their own needs.
Offer flexible work options
Flexibility is something every employee values, and none more so than new mothers and pregnant women. Incorporating flexibility into working hours and lunch breaks and offering remote work options are great ways to start. New and expectant mothers will benefit from additional flexibility, such as time off for doctors’ appointments. By offering flexibility, you can help new mothers feel confident about balancing their work with the new responsibilities that come with motherhood.
Introduce mental health policies for new and expectant mothers
In addition to the standard mental health policies that every organisation must have in place, adding policies specifically for new and expectant mothers can greatly impact their well-being and ability to perform. For instance, you could offer a mix of online and in-person support through self-care guides and counselling. You could also set up a buddy scheme or mothers group so new mothers returning to work can benefit from the advice and support of those who have been through it all.
Educate managers and teams
By training and educating managers and teams on perinatal anxiety and depression, you can remove the stigma associated with these problems, help managers grasp the complexities involved in returning to work after having a baby, and make it easier for women to open up about their mental health. Training can help managers look out for symptoms like increased absences, decreased productivity, or a loss of enthusiasm and equip them to assist new mothers when they need it most.
Solutions for employers
Although the idea of becoming involved with your employees’ well-being might seem daunting, it doesn’t have to be. Seeking professional help to manage your employees’ mental health and wellness can help you truly understand and anticipate their needs, create awareness, and build a culture that nurtures mental wellness. The result is happy, loyal employees who bring their best to work each day, yielding high returns in productivity and performance.
Interested in knowing more? Contact MARG’s Wellness Advisors for more information on how we can help you promote the well-being of your workforce.
