By: Jessica Harper
Date: July 24, 2023
It’s no secret that parental leave policies in the United States often fall short. Even for those lucky enough to receive more than a couple of weeks off after welcoming a new child, the leave is frequently unpaid or only partially compensated. While some companies, like Facebook, Netflix, and Google, have started to offer paid parental leave (thank you!), the reality is that most employers still don’t provide this benefit, forcing many parents to return to work prematurely or take unpaid leave, which can jeopardize their job security.
Even when decent parental leave is available, the challenges don’t end upon returning to work. Quality childcare is notoriously hard to find and often comes with a hefty price tag—sometimes more than monthly rent! And what happens when your child is sick? Or during school vacations? Or when you simply want to be home for dinner with your family?
There’s clearly a long way to go in creating a workplace that supports working parents. The lack of reasonable options leaves many parents, especially mothers, with limited choices, leading to emotional and financial strain. It’s no wonder that nearly 43% of working mothers opt to leave their jobs to stay home with their children. While this is a valid choice, for many, it’s a necessity driven by the scarcity of affordable childcare and flexible work arrangements.
The good news is that change is on the horizon—albeit slowly. Take Patagonia, for instance. This popular outdoor apparel brand not only provides 16 weeks of paid leave for mothers and 12 weeks for fathers and adoptive parents but also offers high-quality on-site childcare. Employees can even have lunch with their kids, and mothers are encouraged to breastfeed during work hours, including meetings. This model has proven effective; since implementing these initiatives, Patagonia has successfully retained 100% of mothers who have given birth while employed there.
This impressive approach isn’t just beneficial for employees; it also enhances overall company productivity. But you don’t have to be a giant corporation to foster a family-friendly work environment. I recently came across a delightful video on the social media page of MamaCare, a mother-owned business specializing in stylish and affordable nursing attire. The video showcases hardworking moms bouncing on exercise balls at their desks while wearing their babies in carriers.
This resonates with so many parents who have juggled work tasks while soothing a fussy child. It’s a testament to our ability to multitask, even in less-than-ideal circumstances.
I reached out to Sarah Collins, the founder of MamaCare, to discuss her company’s policies for working mothers. Collins started her business shortly after having her second child and has always worked alongside her kids. As the company grew, she began hiring fellow mothers, allowing them to bring their babies to the workplace.
“It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” Collins shared. “Seeing these moms bond with their babies while also thriving at work has been nothing short of empowering.” Currently, Collins has seven working mothers on her team, and babies are a common sight in the office.
“Start times are flexible based on nap schedules, and everyone is free to attend to their babies as needed. It’s a relationship built on trust,” she explained, emphasizing that a little mess is a small price to pay for a supportive work environment.
This progressive approach should serve as a model for businesses everywhere. As Collins aptly noted, “Many talented moms feel compelled to stay at home due to childcare expenses or the belief that they should be with their kids. But it doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing scenario; with patience and trust, these moms can significantly impact the workplace.”
Kudos to Patagonia and MamaCare for leading the way and demonstrating that a family-friendly workplace is not only possible but beneficial for all. It’s high time for more companies to adopt similar practices.
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Summary
We need more companies to adopt family-friendly policies that support working parents. Businesses like Patagonia and MamaCare exemplify how accommodating work environments can enhance employee satisfaction and company productivity. By fostering trust and flexibility, companies can create a culture where working moms can thrive both at home and in the workplace.