Mercy Health has received re-accreditation for the 10th consecutive year as a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace (BFW). The program is facilitated by the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) and enables workplaces to offer employment conditions that support women to combine breastfeeding and work. These conditions include lactation breaks, flexible work options and access to private rooms to express breastmilk.
Returning to work from maternity leave can be a stressful time for women and maternal employment has been shown to have a negative effect on breastfeeding. Providing support at this time of change is of great value to mothers, babies and the community. Establishing breastfeeding support as normal within the work environment also has flow-on effects by contributing to a breastfeeding-friendly culture in society more broadly.
“Supporting breastfeeding employees is quite simple and inexpensive but makes an enormous difference to working mothers,” explained Mercy Health Group Chief Executive Officer Adjunct Professor Stephen Cornelissen.
“Continuing to provide options for our valuable staff ensures that we retain the wealth of knowledge and experience that make up our team. We’re excited to be leading the way in family-friendly workplace practice.”
The ABA commends Mercy Health on its re-accreditation and ongoing commitment to employees who breastfeed. Maintaining BFW accreditation enables a balance between strategic business objectives and a commitment to employee health and wellbeing, equal employment opportunity, diversity and corporate social responsibility.
Adj Prof Cornelissen said the organisation was pleased to be making an ongoing contribution to a healthier, happier workplace and the support of BFW was invaluable.
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