Supporting working moms' mental health is key to retention

Maternity leave is one of the most common reasons why female employees use a disability plan. Although this type of leave is fairly straightforward and the claims process is quick, the following period at times can be more complex.

The perinatal period is defined as pregnancy through one year postpartum. During this time, 1 in 5 mothers experiences a perinatal mood disorder, such postpartum depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic, bipolar disorder or psychosis. Although these conditions are not common, only 40% of affected women are diagnosed and of those, only half receive treatment.

In a survey of nearly 800 U.S. women, Prudential found that workers look to their employers for help.

“Postpartum mental health is often overlooked and can have devastating consequences when untreated,” the survey report said. “As a result, the need for manager and family support, as well as employer resources, was a common theme women made in comments. When manager support is positive, it can create an enhanced sense of loyalty to the company. Plus, when moms feel like they have someone they can relate to, they feel empowered.”

Survey respondents suggested several things employers can do to attract and retain working mothers:

• Increase sensitivity training to ensure managers are inclusive and flexible when someone is going on and returning from maternity leave.
• Provide resources that moms need be healthy and productive. Include substantive education about the resources and how to access them.
• Link moms to a likeminded community through employee resource groups.
• Arrange financial help, such as a health spending account for child care, which can be an incentive to return to work.
• Provide access to mental, social, financial and physical health care.
• Take the perinatal experience seriously and remember that for new moms, everything has changed — physically, mentally, financially and socially. Benefits, resources and inclusivity at work should be holistic.

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“The assumption that the perinatal experience is completely joyful is just that — an assumption,” the report concluded. “About 20% of women will experience a postpartum mental health condition, which can be devastating to their overall wellbeing and potentially even prevent return to work. Ultimately, these types of mental health conditions can leave mothers feeling lost and alone. Employers can take various steps to support the mental, physical, financial and social health of their employees and retain this valuable portion of the workforce.”