5 Ways Managers Can Support Pregnant Employees
Publication Date
1-12-2022
Document Type
Popular Press
Publication Title
Harvard Business Review
Abstract
Pregnancy discrimination still occurs frequently in the U.S., and new research shows that it may be linked to poor health outcomes for mothers. There are actionable strategies employers can adopt to reduce detrimental health and well-being outcomes for pregnant employees. Specifically, the data suggests that supportive coworkers and supervisors act as stress-reducing resources for them, and employees who felt supported by both coworkers and supervisors benefitted from the largest reductions in prenatal stress. Furthermore, this reduction in stress was associated with long-term reductions in postpartum depression and quicker physical recovery following the birth of their child. Instead of turning a blind eye to pregnancy discrimination, leaders can promote a more positive organizational environment and offer support by engaging in the five practices discussed here.
Department
Psychology
Recommended Citation
Kaylee J. Hackney, Shanna R. Daniels, Samantha Paustian-Underdahl, Kristen P. Jones, and Jacquelyn M. Brady. "5 Ways Managers Can Support Pregnant Employees" Harvard Business Review (2022).
