Mental Health During Parental Leave and Beyond.
“Supporting parents with their return to work is not just the right thing to do, it's the smart thing.”
Welcoming a new child into the family is an extraordinary experience—one that we are quick to associate with feelings of joy and happiness. However, let’s be honest: becoming a parent also comes with its own unique set of challenges. One of these challenges often overlooked by many is the transition back to work. For new parents, transitioning from work to parental leave and back again can feel like an emotional rollercoaster, filled with mental and physical ups and downs. But there are many ways in which we can help.
The Mental Health Challenges Parents Face
For many new parents, this emotional ride starts well before the baby even arrives. From pregnancy anxieties to delivery to the sleepless nights, emotional stress, and the massive responsibility of caring for a newborn, the challenges can feel overwhelming.
Parents may also face additional challenges, such as postpartum depression, anxiety and feelings of isolation. Did you know that 1 in 7 women experience postpartum depression? Many also face postpartum anxiety, which can make juggling the roles of mother and employee incredibly tough. And guess what? Dads aren't off the hook—postpartum depression in fathers is also very common, even if it's not talked about as much. On top of this, becoming a parent can feel like stepping into a whole new world. Parents may feel disconnected from their pre-parent selves as everything around them changes.
When parental leave ends, these challenges don’t magically disappear. In fact, when the time comes to return to work, these challenges can hit even harder as parents struggle to balance both worlds. According to research, 74% of employees felt overwhelmed about juggling work and being a parent. So, what can we do?
The Importance of Mental Health Support
Providing mental health support during and after parental leave is not just nice to have; it's essential for the well-being of parents and their productivity at work. Everyone wants to feel valued and supported in their workplace. It is no surprise that workplaces that prioritise their employees' mental health experience greater loyalty and are more likely to stick around. If workplaces ignore the need to support parents during this challenging time, they risk losing them. Supported employees are also more productive. It's a win-win situation.
Actionable Steps for HR Professionals
There is no denying that it is crucial, but how can it be done? The answer is relatively simple. Here are some simple steps HR professionals can take:
Offer Counselling Services: Employers can give new parents a safe space to discuss their challenges by offering confidential one-on-one counselling or therapy sessions. It may not seem like much, but to a parent who is struggling, it could make a world of difference.
Flexible Return-to-Work Plans: Offering parents the option of a phased return-to-work plan or flexible schedules, including part-time hours, remote work, or job-sharing, can facilitate a smoother transition and increase the likelihood of their return to work.
Promote Mental Health Awareness: Employees want to know there is a culture of support for them. It is important to create a workplace culture where mental health discussions are normalised. When mental health is part of the daily conversation, it becomes easier for everyone to seek the support they need.
Have facilities for breastfeeding mums: No mum wants to have to express in the lunchroom or the toilet. For them to feel more comfortable mums should be provided with a clean private area with a comfy chair and enough breaks so that they can express at work.
Final thoughts
Supporting new parents through mental health initiatives is more than just a perk—it's a necessity.
It’s important to remember that during parental leave, employees are still a vital part of the company. Parental leave isn't a holiday; it's a time when employees juggle new personal responsibilities while trying to stay connected to their professional roles.
When companies show they care during these life-changing moments, everyone wins. A happy, supported new parent makes for a stronger, more resilient workforce, ready to face challenges both at home and in the office.