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How Your Organization Can Support Nursing Employees

Nursing parents have particular needs, and it’s important that your company does what it can to meet them. After all, supporting new parents is good for retention and the firm’s reputation — and, in some cases, there can be legal consequences for companies that don’t. But doing what’s required by law isn’t enough. If you’re in a senior position, here are some ways your organization can help nursing employees:

• Provide accommodations for pumping. These can include adequate break time; a clean, private room with a table, a chair, and electrical outlets; and a refrigerator or cooler for storing milk.
• Don’t reduce pay for breaks. Your state or country may not require paid pumping breaks, but not paying them creates a disparity among employees and may force lower-paid workers to stop pumping.
• Raise awareness. Send the message that you and other leaders support nursing employees. Offering to sponsor a peer support program, for example, can build a positive environment and help parents connect with each other.

And remember, if you aren’t sure what nursing employees need, ask.

Adapted from “How Companies Can Support Breastfeeding Employees,” by Liz Morris et al.