Becoming a parent should be a reason for joy! Yet, employers’ feelings towards staff parenthood are often mixed, and might involve feeling happy for the employee but also concerned about workplace disruptions and managing absence. Employees also often feel anxious about revealing that there is a child on the way or discussing their support needs, worrying about their employer’s and colleagues’ reactions and negative career implications. A supportive work environment with clear communication is crucial for both parties, as negative experiences can lead to frustration, lower productivity, and decreased retention, with impacts for both employee and employer.
© 2026 Transition to Parenthood.
