AMA VICDOC Autumn 2024 - Magazine - Page 35
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Phases
of pregnancy
are physically,
physiologically, &
emotionally demanding.
They are also short.
Supporting people in
these times is an
investment in our
workforce.
––
WHAT DO WE KNOW?
––
We know that pregnancy and planning for
pregnancy is a personal time, meaning that
we can’t necessarily have open and transparent
conversations about what’s going on. Many
people can be guarded about their pregnancy
early on.
We also know there can be stigma around
pregnancy in a professional environment. For
example, assumptions can be made that the
pregnant person no longer prioritises their work
or career, that they are uncommitted and less
competent, compounding the problem of
talking openly about pregnancy at work.
Phases of pregnancy are physically,
physiologically, and emotionally demanding, and
this take a toll on our energy levels and resources.
Time and rest can therefore be required suddenly
by the pregnant person, without the ability to
share the reasons why.
Further, planning a pregnancy and the
pregnancy itself has uncertain timelines. There
is uncertainty about when a pregnancy will
begin, if it runs to term, and the exact nature
of how parents will take parental leave and
manage caring for their baby.
HOW CAN LEADERS SUPPORT
PREGNANCY AT WORK?
––
Strong leaders understand the importance of
building strong and sustainable workforces, and
retaining talent and experience, and they plan to
accommodate the changing needs of their staff.
Leaders can use their knowledge of possible
and likely challenges pregnancies face in the
work environment and use workforce design
skills and interpersonal communication skills
to support change, flexibility, and sensitivity.
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