Employee pregnancy: The impact on organizations, pregnant employees and co-workers

Abstract

Perceptions of current and appropriate practices, and behavioral intentions regarding the treatment of pregnant employees were examined utilizing the “Pregnancy in the Workplace” questionnaire. Subjects believed employing organizations should provide more supportive maternity leave policies and should seek to minimize negative career impacts (e.g., reduced promotional opportunities) on pregnant employees. However, subjects also felt employers were too generous in making workload reductions for pregnant employees. While subjects believed more should be done to assist pregnant employees, they were unwilling to agree to support such actions with their personal behaviors. Opinions varied as a function of sex, age, and nationality of the respondent, as well as supervisory experience with a pregnant employee. Women, younger employees, non-U.S. citizens, and those without experience supervising a pregnant employee were significantly more supportive of pregnant employees, and indicated greater support for legislation to assist pregnant employees.