How to build a mom-friendly workplace
ANNA is a mom of two, and from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, she’s a senior accountant. To juggle her multiple hats, she leans on the support and benefits offered by her company.
Mothers make up a large portion of Jamaica’s workforce. Supporting working mothers isn’t just a gesture of goodwill—it’s an investment in talent retention and productivity. Recognising the unique challenges working mothers face, such as balancing career advancement with caregiving responsibilities, proactive measures are essential to foster an inclusive and supportive workplace culture.
From childcare services to post-natal counselling, there are many resources that can empower mothers to thrive. Here are some tips from Dr Hopelin Hines, vice-president, Group Human Resources Division, National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited, for how businesses can build a mom-friendly workplace.
Prioritise comfort with a lactation room
By providing a dedicated lactation room, nursing mothers can express milk comfortably during work hours. This reduces the stress and anxiety that can arise from feeling exposed or rushed during this process. NCB, for example, offers this facility along with a refrigerator to store the expressed milk.
Address mental health with counselling support
The journey to motherhood can be overwhelming. Postnatal depression affects more than 10 per cent of new mothers worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Offering post-natal counselling services support to mothers can provide a much-needed outlet for seeking guidance and support during difficult times. Through its Employee Assistance Programme, NCB offers counselling support to its employees.
Provide educational and aftercare services
Childcare is a major concern for working mothers. Providing on-site nurseries or allowances for after-care can help alleviate the stress of balancing work and childcare responsibilities. Along with aftercare services, the NCB Early Childhood Development Centre (which is accredited by the Early Childhood Commission), helps the children of our working mothers’ get quality care and education during working hours.
Invest in education with scholarships
Supporting working mothers means investing in the future of their children. Many employees’ children have benefitted from the extensive offerings under the NCB high school, sixth form and tertiary scholarship programmes.
“Offering scholarships for employees’ children is not only a valuable perk but also a meaningful way to help parents provide the best possible opportunities for their families,“ said Dr Hines. ”Our team members’ children at the tertiary stage also have the opportunity to take part in our internship programmes, which further enrich their educational and professional journeys.“
Promote wellness with gym facilities
Physical health is essential for everyone, including mothers. Having on-site gym facilities like, the NCB Wellness & Recreation Centre, encourages mothers to prioritise their well-being and stay active, even with busy schedules.
Foster flexible work arrangements
Flexibility is key for working mothers juggling professional and personal responsibilities. Offering flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options or flexible hours, can empower mothers to better manage their time and achieve a healthy work-life balance. ”NCB has a flexible work policy which provides additional opportunities for mothers to vary their work hours according to family needs,“ said Dr Hines.
”The global economy is changing; addressing the needs of working mothers will be crucial for promoting gender equality and maximising workforce participation. Tech giants like Google and Microsoft offer extensive parental leave and childcare benefits, setting a benchmark for companies worldwide. Remote work and flexible hours are becoming popular, helping mothers balance work and life while making employees happier and more productive. Nevertheless, progress remains uneven, with disparities in access to support services and opportunities for advancement still prevalent in many parts of the world.
“Creating a mom-friendly workplace is about more than just policies; it’s about fostering a culture of support and understanding. As we celebrate Mother’s Day, let’s commit to building inclusive workplaces where all mothers feel valued and supported,“ Dr Hines added.
Dr Hopelin Hines is the vice-president, Group Human Resources Division, National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited.
