Employers encouraged to support breastfeeding at the workplace

The Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (HPDP) Directorate is encouraging employers to adopt breastfeeding-friendly policies as part of their workplace wellbeing initiatives.

In its latest Guidelines for Employers, the Directorate emphasises that supporting breastfeeding mothers not only benefits employees but also strengthens organisations by helping them retain skilled and experienced staff.

According to the HPDP, creating a supportive environment for new mothers can ease their transition back to work while promoting infant health and employee satisfaction. The guidelines outline several practical measures that workplaces can introduce to achieve this.

Key recommendations include:

• Breastfeeding breaks: Employers should allow dedicated time for mothers to express breast milk during working hours and provide access to refrigeration for safe storage.
• Appropriate facilities: Workplaces should provide private, hygienic breastfeeding or expressing rooms equipped with the necessary amenities. Restrooms should not be used for this purpose.
• Continuous support: Employers are encouraged to offer emotional and logistical support to ensure mothers feel comfortable and encouraged to continue breastfeeding after returning to work.

The HPDP notes that these practices help reduce absenteeism, improve staff morale, and foster loyalty within the workforce. By demonstrating commitment to family-friendly policies, organisations can also enhance their reputation as caring and progressive employers.

“By supporting breastfeeding in the workplace, new mothers are encouraged to return to work with the employer benefitting by not losing skilled staff.”

The HPDP’s recommendations form part of its broader effort to promote health and wellbeing at work, alongside initiatives encouraging physical activity, mental health support and healthy nutrition.