With caregiver and family support from the workplace becoming a high priority for many Hoosiers, it’s increasingly essential for companies to create and sustain related initiatives to support employee well-being and attract and retain a strong workforce. One such option is offering a lactation program. The Wellness Council of Indiana (WCI), a subsidiary of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, recently developed the Indiana Employer Lactation Program Guide in partnership with the Indiana Department of Health.
According to a study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, businesses that provide lactation support experience a 94% retention rate among employees after maternity leave, compared to the national average of 59%. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that absenteeism related to infant illness is reduced by up to 50% in companies with lactation programs.
The Indiana Employer Lactation Program Guide is designed to provide practical guidance and turnkey solutions to implementing, sustaining and improving a well-rounded workplace lactation program. The publication walks the employer through how to accommodate breastfeeding mothers and build a truly supportive workplace. Specifically, readers will discover how to create effective lactation policies, design supportive lactation spaces, meet legal requirements and promote and communicate their support for new parents.