Did you know that evidence finds supporting breastfeeding employees also benefits employers?1,2 Research shows that employers who support breastfeeding in the workplace benefit from a happier, healthier workforce.
By making a few simple adjustments, employers can foster greater job satisfaction, increase employee loyalty, and reduce absenteeism. Yet, in the UK, many employers fall short of doing all they can to support breastfeeding employees. Employees who feel valued and heard are happier, more productive and more loyal.
| Benefits to Employers | Benefits to Employees |
|---|---|
| Retain and attract talent | Meeting breastfeeding goals |
| Increasing staff physical and mental well-being and hence productivity | Improved physical and emotional well-being |
| Reduce staff absence as breastfed children tend to be sick less often | Health benefits for the mother and their child |
| In showing commitment to family-friendly policies, you enhance your reputation as an employer of choice | Feeling valued |
Our study shows that often employers, HR and line managers lack awareness and guidance of what is involved in combining breastfeeding and how best to support their breastfeeding employees. You may want to think about developing a breastfeeding policy in your organisation (see Employer Guide 6), introducing guidance for line managers, staff and for your (future) breastfeeding employees, and facilitating good lines of communication (see Employer Guide 8). Hopefully this guide will break things down and help you feel less overwhelmed.
References
- Cohen, R., Mrtek, M. B. and Mrtek, R. G. (1995). Comparison of maternal absenteeism and infant illness rates among breast-feeding and formula-feeding women in two corporations, American Journal of Health Promotion, 10(2), 148–153 Cohen et al., 1995
- Del Bono, E., and Pronzato, C. (2022). Does breastfeeding support at work help mothers, children, and employers at the same time? Journal of Demographic Economics, 1-28 Del
The information provided in this guide is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. This project has been funded by the Nuffield Foundation, but the views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily the Foundation. Visit nuffieldfoundation.org.
