6 Ways to Support New Moms Returning to Work

Supporting new mothers who have returned to work It goes far beyond management strategies, as it is the perfect opportunity to demonstrate humanity and respect to employees.

It is no secret that women suffer when returning to work, since the maternity leave period is a maximum of 4 months, which is not even enough for the period of exclusive breastfeeding (6 months, according to the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics).

For this reason, companies that do not want to lose talent must invest in ways to support these mothers, so that they find a welcoming and respectful environment at this time in their lives.

And that’s exactly what we’re going to talk about today. So, if you want to know how to improve the humanization of your business, keep reading!

The importance of supporting new mothers who have returned to work

If there is a drama in the life of every woman who goes through pregnancy, it is certainly returning to work, right after the end of the maternity leave period.

As we well know, the CLT provides for the right to 4 months of leave from work after the birth of a child. 

However, this period is too short, considering that the minimum breastfeeding period is 6 months, and a 4-month-old baby is still highly dependent on the mother.

However, we know that extending the leave period is still far from becoming a reality, for this reason, the only way out is for companies to adopt ways of accommodating these mothers in their demands.

Unfortunately, there is still prejudice against hiring women, as many managers look askance at the needs of mothers, such as leaving early to pick up their child from daycare, or having to leave every 2 hours to breastfeed or pump milk from their baby.

However, we must remember that failing to hire these women, in addition to being a discriminatory practice, is also highly detrimental to a business's talent acquisition and retention.

This is because women do not lose their talents and skills after giving birth, and companies that recognize this and support them ensure valuable employees for their teams.

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6 Ways to Support New Moms Returning to Work

As we saw previously, the increase in the period of maternity leave is not yet a social reality in Brazil.

For this reason, the initiative of supporting new mothers who have returned to work must come from companies, either out of humanity or to avoid losing valuable talent.

This is because, due to difficulties and demands, many mothers end up giving up work and opting to leave the professional market to take care of their children.

So, if you don't want to lose good employees, it's crucial to take steps to make this return smoother and more comfortable, which will convince them to stay.

But if you have no idea how to do this, don't worry, as we have put together 6 unmissable tips that would certainly please any mother.

So, if you were planning to give just a box of chocolates to the new mom, know that it is a nice practice, but if it comes with some of the practices mentioned below, it will certainly be much more successful.

1. Adoption of remote work 

Adopting remote work is the true dream of new mothers who have returned to work, because, in this reality, they would be able to accompany their children daily.

So, if the employee performs tasks that could be done remotely, or if it is possible to transfer them to an area with this possibility, do not hesitate to do so.

This is because it will make her deeply grateful, as it will help her with breastfeeding, in addition to allowing the new mother to closely monitor her baby's growth.

Remember that this remote work does not need to be permanent, as many mothers choose to put their children in daycare when they are older, between 1 and 2 years old.

So, try to be patient and understanding at this time, and if you can alleviate the employee's anxieties by working remotely, do so.

2. Reduction of working hours

Being away from your baby for 8 hours is one of the biggest concerns for new mothers who have returned to work. 

This is when it is only 8 hours, because if we consider transport time, lunch time and overtime, this number can grow considerably.

So, one way to support new mothers who have returned to work is to provide a temporary reduction in working hours.

To do this, you have a few options, such as reducing your daily workday to 6 hours, or adopting a 4-day week for employees with babies up to 2 years old.

Whatever your choice, being able to spend less time on work will certainly make mom's life much easier, as it will allow her to spend more time with her baby.

3. Flexible schedules to support new mothers returning to work

This tip is a complement to the previous one, because flexible working hours are a great help to employees who need to take time off to take care of their children.

After all, babies up to 2 years old tend to go to the doctor often, whether for routine checkups or to treat illnesses common to this age group.

Therefore, companies that have strict schedules end up preventing mothers from accompanying and caring for their children at these times.

As a result, many mothers feel sad because they cannot take their babies to get vaccinated, or because they have to leave them with their grandmothers when they are sick.

Therefore, adopting flexible working hours at this time demonstrates respect and humanity. To do this, you can adopt some practices, such as:

• Absence of point;
• Do not request certificates for the child's appointments;
• Lack of control at entry and exit.

Remember that at this point it is better for you to focus on results, rather than demanding permanence. 

Many mothers start to dedicate more time to work, precisely so they can finish work earlier to spend time with their little ones, so it makes no sense to stop them from going out.

4. Daycare assistance 

Many new mothers who return to work face a problem, which is the lack of a support network.

When we talk about a support network, we are referring to people who help with childcare, which allows mothers to do other things, such as work.

Therefore, one of the ways to support new mothers who have returned to work is to offer a childcare allowance, which allows them to pay for the care service for their little ones.

This way, mothers can work peacefully, knowing that their baby is being cared for in a suitable and safe space.

++Importance of Daycare Assistance – VitalyBrasil.

5. Medical assistance that includes dependents 

Medical assistance is a very common employment benefit, but some companies still offer services that do not include dependents.

Therefore, one of the ways to support new mothers who have returned to work is to offer a health plan that allows them to include their child.

This is because many mothers have to miss work because they have difficulty scheduling appointments at convenient times in the public system.

So, by offering the health plan, the company makes this issue easier, and allows the employee to schedule appointments for convenient dates and times more easily.

6. Psychological/emotional support 

Finally, many mothers face emotional and psychological problems after the birth of their child, due to hormonal changes that occur after the end of pregnancy.

And, if we consider that separation from the baby after returning to work causes anguish and sadness, it is crucial to offer support at this time.

Therefore, companies that offer psychological/emotional support resources and services demonstrate respect and empathy at this time.

In addition to consultations with specialized professionals, the professional environment itself counts a lot for this purpose.

Therefore, try to adapt the company to support new mothers who have returned to work, so it will be easier to adapt to this new reality.

Remember that women with young children continue to be important talents for the professional market, and that this phase passes, after all, children grow up.

Therefore, adopting welcoming measures is essential to avoid losing talent in the team, in addition to demonstrating humanity in management.

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