Supporting Working Parents: No Longer Just a Nice-to-Have—It’s a Strategic Advantage

Supporting Working Parents: No Longer Just a Nice-to-Have—It’s a Strategic Advantage

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A joint study between Great Place To Work and Maven has found that there are significant benefits in creating a supportive environment for working parents, demonstrating its positive impact on both employees and companies.

Key Findings from the Study:

  1. Significant Business Gains- According to the study, companies that provide strong support for working parents experience notable financial gains. Businesses that excel in supporting working parents see 4.4 times greater profitability and 2.1 times greater revenue growth compared to those that don’t. These results demonstrate that a commitment to family-friendly policies isn’t just good for employees—it’s also good for business.
  2. Improved Employee Engagement and Loyalty- Employees at workplaces that prioritize family support report higher levels of engagement. The study found that employees in these environments are 5.6 times more likely to feel valued and 4.5 times more likely to recommend their company to others. This translates to higher retention rates and a more engaged workforce that is eager to contribute to the company’s success.
  3. Retention of Top Talent- One of the most significant challenges businesses face today is talent retention. This challenge becomes even more pronounced when it comes to parents in the workforce. Research from the study shows that companies with robust parental benefits are better able to retain key employees, particularly women. Without this support, 43% of women leave the workforce within the first year of having a child, which can result in expensive turnover costs. Offering parental leave, flexible work arrangements, and childcare support can help retain these valuable employees.
  4. The Power of Flexibility- Flexibility in work arrangements is one of the most effective ways to support working parents. The study found that companies offering flexible hours or remote work options saw higher levels of productivity and job satisfaction. Parents who are able to manage their work schedules around family commitments are more focused, less stressed, and able to contribute more effectively to the business.

The findings from Great Place to Work’s largest-ever study on working parents are clear: businesses that invest in supporting their employees’ family lives are reaping the rewards in terms of higher revenue, profitability, and talent retention. By embracing family-friendly policies and offering flexible work options, companies can build a more engaged, loyal, and productive workforce—ultimately driving long-term success.

As the workforce continues to evolve, it’s time for more companies to recognize the powerful business case for supporting working parents. The future of work is not just about driving profits; it’s about building a thriving, inclusive workplace where everyone, including working parents, has the support they need to succeed.

Learn more about how companies can support parents in the workplace here. (link Creating a Family-Friendly Workplace: Best Practices blog)

Citation:

Great Place to Work. (2020). Parents at the Best Workplaces 2020. Retrieved January 15, 2025, from https://www.greatplacetowork.com/resources/reports/parents-at-the-best-workplaces-2020

The Idiocracy of the Balancing Act: Motherhood, Career, and the Choices We Make

The Idiocracy of the Balancing Act: Motherhood, Career, and the Choices We Make

I didn’t want to go back. There, I said it. After each of my four boys, I didn’t want to go back. And no, it’s not because I didn’t love my job. I adored my job. I spent all my twenties and the early part of my thirties chasing my dream, and guess what? I caught it. But I didn’t want to go back because I’d become a mother.

And before you start getting judgey, trust me—I was judgey too. Before motherhood, I didn’t get it. I didn’t understand it. I couldn’t comprehend it. Scratch that—I didn’t even see it. I didn’t acknowledge the seismic shift my body, mind, and life had endured for over a year.  (Side note, that scientific term is matrescence, a birth of a mother and patrescence, a birth of a father.)

My thirties became a juggling act: growing my family, working, and chasing that utterly ridiculous concept of “work-life balance.” Spoiler alert: there is no balance. There are only choices. You make decisions in each moment to create some semblance of normalcy— decisions made in the moment to keep things from falling apart. Sometimes you nail it. Sometimes you’re handing your three-year-old your Lean Cuisine after a 30-hour hospital shift because that’s all you’ve got left in the tank. And sure, you’ll spiral down the rabbit hole of what ifs when you’re exhausted and vulnerable. But at the end of the day, you choose the best path you can at that moment.

There are two constants in life and society— breeding and capitalism. And why should capitalism support breeding? Because, at its most basic level, breeding supports capitalism (you know—future workers). If you want a deeper dive into how these two intertwine, check out The Doctor and Her Black Bag, an evidence-based book that explores the economics of maternal mortality.

Bottom line? Supporting working parents isn’t just a moral obligation anymore. It’s a smart business move. Supporting working parents isn’t just a warm, fuzzy idea anymore—it’s a strategic advantage. It drives growth, sustains industries, and creates a future workforce. Companies that figure this out aren’t just doing the “right thing”—they’re setting themselves up for long-term success.

5 things that happen with matrescence

5 things that happen with matrescence

Matrescence is a term used to describe the new motherhood experience and the physical, emotional, and psychological changes that occur in a woman’s body during the postpartum period. The term matrescence was first coined by Dr. Alexandra Sacks, a reproductive psychiatrist, and used by researchers such as Dr Aurelie Athan from the Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University in New York, and author of “The Postnatal Depletion Cure: A Complete Guide to Rebuilding Your Health and Reclaiming Your Energy for Mothers of Newborns, Toddlers, and Young Children” Dr Oscar Serrallach has since gained recognition as an important aspect of postpartum care. This transition can be a challenging time for many mothers, but it is important to understand the changes that occur during matrescence in order to better navigate the postpartum period. 

In an article by matrescence activist Amy Taylor Kabbaz points to medical anthropologist Dana Raphael’s take on matrescence.

“The critical transition period which has been missed is matrescence — the time of mother-becoming,” Raphael said. “Giving birth does not automatically make a mother out of a woman … The amount of time it takes to become a mother needs study.”

As a result, it is impowertant for everyone to know what happens during matrescence and how to navigate through a time of identity, physical, emotional and pscyhological changes in a new mother, and how to support her.

Here are 5 things that happen with matrescence:

  1. Hormonal Changes: One of the biggest changes that occur during matrescence is hormonal fluctuations. After giving birth, women experience a rapid decline in hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, which can result in physical symptoms such as mood swings, headaches, fatigue, and hot flashes. Hormonal changes also play a role in the development of postpartum depression and anxiety, so it is important for mothers to be aware of these changes and to seek help if necessary.
  2. Physical Recovery: The physical recovery from giving birth can be a long and challenging process. During early motherhood, women may experience discomfort and pain as their bodies heal from the birth process. This can include abdominal soreness, pelvic pain, and incision pain if a woman had a cesarean section. Birthing mothers may also experience difficulty with bladder control, vaginal dryness, and sexual dysfunction. It is important for women to take care of themselves physically during this time and understand that it’s ok to be selfish about sleep, naps, and just lying down. Drinking adequate water, water with electrolytes and nutrition are key in long term healing. Snacks, fruits, and nuts are easy options for in between the three meals. Seek help if any concerns arise that make you worried or uncomfortable. Don’t forget to ask for a pelvic physical therapist referral at your 6 week postpartum appointment.
  3. Emotional Changes: The emotional changes that occur during matrescence can be intense and difficult to navigate after birth. Many women experience feelings of sadness, postnatal depression, anxiety, guilt, and irritability. This can be caused by hormonal changes, physical discomfort, and the stress of adjusting to life with a new baby. It is important for women to seek support from friends and family. Be open with your feelings with your partner and to talk to their healthcare provider if emotions are overwhelming. Seeking a postpartum doula or therapist is also a great option for maintaining wellbeing.
  4. Changes in Identity: During matrescence, the new mother identity may feel like having an entirely new identity as they adjust to their new role as a mother. This can include feelings of loss of self, uncertainty about their abilities as a parent, and a shift in priorities. It is important for women to seek support from others during this time, and to understand that these feelings are normal.
  5. Changes in Relationships: The postpartum period can also bring about changes in relationships. Women may experience tension in their relationships with their partners, as they navigate the roles as new parents and responsibilities of parenthood. Relationships with friends and family may also change as women prioritize their role as a mother. It is important for women to communicate their needs and to seek support from their loved ones during this time.

Matrescence is an important aspect of a mother’s birth story. As such, it becomes an important part of the identity of any birthing person. As a result, postpartum care should not be overlooked. Understanding the physical, emotional, and psychological changes that occur during this time can help mothers better navigate the postpartum period. It is important for women to seek support and care during this transition, and to understand that these changes are normal and a natural part of the matrescence process. Additionally, the good enough mother approach is important for the new mom to be sincere in her preoccupation with being a mother and provide a holding environment that is attuned to her child’s changing needs during the fourth trimester. If you are a mother and are feeling overwhelmed, it is important to reach out to your healthcare provider for help or contact us to help navigate your needs and right care. Interestingly enough, fathers go through their own transformation entitled patrescence .

Want more? Download a free copy of Dr. Sonal Patel’s bestseller, The Doctor & Her Black Bag: How old fashioned care tackles maternal mortality and benefits America’s economy.