The perceptions of new mothers when returning to the workplace in New Zealand
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Authors
Dias, Patricia Paulo da Silva
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Degree
Master of Applied Management
Grantor
Southern Institute of Technology
Date
2024
Supervisors
Reddy
Bodkin-Allen, Sally
Bodkin-Allen, Sally
Type
Masters Dissertation
Ngā Upoko Tukutuku (Māori subject headings)
Keyword
Working mother
Motherhood
Work-life balance
Motherhood
Work-life balance
ANZSRC Field of Research Code (2020)
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Abstract
New Zealand has experienced an increase in the percentage of working mothers in recent years, indicating an important change in society. This occurrence is accompanied by a range of difficulties that mothers have while attempting to manage their work and personal obligations. Despite the country's advancements in fostering work-life balance, there is a lack of comprehension regarding the experiences and requirements of women reentering the workforce after childbirth. This study aims to explore the experiences of new mothers when returning to the workplace in New Zealand. Using an interpretative phenomenological approach and semi-structured interviews with nine mothers who gave birth in the previous 3 years, nursed, and worked in New Zealand, this study seeks to enhance the current understanding of the difficulties encountered by employed mothers and the workplace policies that support the well-being and productivity of employees. The results illustrate the significance of assistance to mothers who return to work, particularly in terms of sleep and nursing. Employee flexibility and clear communication are essential for maintaining a good work-life balance. Furthermore, the establishment of social support networks can reduce feelings of loneliness and enhance the emotional well-being of mothers. These findings emphasise the need to implement workplace policies and practices that acknowledge and tackle the demands of working mothers, therefore promoting a work environment that is more inclusive and supportive of motherhood. This research contributes to the industry by suggesting that companies create inclusive work cultures that are supportive of mothers. It increases management's knowledge of the significance of creating customised work policies, leading to higher retention of talented individuals and improved organisational performance.
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CC BY-NC-SA Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International