Maternity leave is a crucial period for both new mothers and their employers. While it’s an opportunity for mothers to bond with their new baby, it can also lead to challenges when it comes to employee retention.
It’s worth mentioning that the cost of losing employees after maternity leave can be substantial. Studies have shown that the cost of hiring a new employee can be as high as 1.5 to 2 times their annual salary, making employee retention a critical concern for employers. Additionally, statistics show that as many as 20-40% of women don't return to work after maternity leave, highlighting the importance of supporting new mothers during this critical time.
Here are five ways to help employees successfully transition back to work and retain their skills after maternity leave.
- Offer Flexible Work Arrangements: Offering flexible work arrangements, such as remote work, flexible schedules, or part-time work, can help new mothers balance work and family responsibilities. This can also improve job satisfaction and reduce stress, leading to a higher likelihood of retaining employees after maternity leave.
- Encourage Mentorship: Pairing new mothers with experienced colleagues who have returned to work after maternity leave can provide valuable support and guidance during the transition back to work. Mentors can provide advice on managing work-life balance, navigating workplace challenges, and accessing resources.
- Provide Family-Friendly Benefits: Offering benefits like paid parental leave, on-site childcare, and lactation support can help new mothers feel supported and valued by their employer. This can lead to a more positive work environment and improved job satisfaction, increasing the likelihood of retaining employees after maternity leave.
- Offer Professional Development Opportunities: Providing opportunities for professional development can help new mothers keep their skills and knowledge current, while also promoting a sense of purpose and fulfillment. This can also help to retain employees who may otherwise feel that they have stagnated in their careers during their time off.
- Foster a Culture of Inclusivity and Support: Creating a culture that values and supports diversity, equity, and inclusion can help new mothers feel valued and supported, both personally and professionally. This can lead to higher job satisfaction, improved morale, and a stronger commitment to the company, all of which can increase employee retention after maternity leave. One way to show your support would be to send a Bunny James Maternity gift box!