Parenthood can be the biggest change in many employees' lives, and while employers can't give parents any more hours in the day, they are coming up with some innovative ways to help employees thrive.
EBN's award winning podcast, Perk Up! is back for a brand new season about what it's like to be a working parent in 2024. Starting Wednesday, May 15, we'll be launching a new eight-episode series taking a look at the experience of having kids and balancing work in 2024.
Every two weeks, we'll be connecting with employees from
Catch up on everything we'll be talking about right here, and tune in May 15:
It's no secret moms have plenty on their plates — and working moms are juggling an additional set of demands. While systems of support exist through both employee benefits and regulation and policy, the experience of motherhood varies significantly state by state.
Working moms also face issues such as parental leave policies and legal support systems, which differ depending on their location.
Check out which state took the top spot:
To help support the path to pregnancy, 63% of HR professionals said their company is looking to expand their fertility benefits in response to the current political climate, according to a survey from Harris Poll and HR Brew; only 24% are considering reducing their current offerings. Employers are making it clear they still want to give their employees access to these benefits despite potential legal trouble down the line, emphasizing just how valuable they are.
"If you look at the trends leading to the [Roe] ruling, these family-building benefits were already on the rise," says Dr. Roger Shedlin, CEO and president of WINFertility. "Now companies of all shapes, sizes and geographies are offering these benefits, and executives see how these benefits are utilized, greatly appreciated and help with recruitment and retention."
Read more about the benefits of IVF and other reproductive health services for employees:
Moms need extra support during challenging times, too. After enduring 20 years of domestic violence at the hands of her husband, Michelle Robinson finalized her divorce in 2023. But the help she received from her long-time employer, MHK Health, along with access to SupportPay, has helped Robinson start over.
"Going through my trauma and knowing I not only have the full support of my manager on a personal and professional level, but also access to resources — I don't know that I can put into words how grateful I am," Robinson says. "The tools that Hearst has given me as a manager to not only support myself, but to ensure I can support my team members, is significant."
Read more about SupportPay and how it helps employees navigate divorce without sacrificing their financial wellness:
