Exploring workplace breastfeeding support from the perspective of the employees and employers in the Breede valley sub-district, Worcester, South Africa
1
Department of Global Health, Division of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Globally, mothers have identified employment as one of the leading barriers to exclusive and continued breastfeeding.
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the experiences and perceptions of employees’ and employers’ regarding breastfeeding support in designated workplaces (with more than 50 employees) in Worcester, South Africa.
METHODS:
A qualitative study collecting data at nine purposively selected designated workplaces, three each from retail, public and manufacturer sector were conducted. Eight in-depth interviews with human resource manager and/ or company managers, seven focus group discussions (n= 51) with employees and three managers focus group discussions (n=12) were conducted.
RESULTS:
Employees` viewed their workplaces as unsupportive in terms of providing breastfeeding time and space and negative attitudes from co – workers and supervisors. The provision of the recommended breastfeeding break time was mostly absent. Challenges raised by managers was lack of space and infrastructure and finance to create the space and resources. Managers voiced that they value a supportive workplace environment and a culture of caring and focusing on staff wellness. This was in conflict with employees mentioning challenges relating to the employer not caring and being unsympathetic. Employees claimed the reason to be employer’s focused on time, work, target and performance and that breastfeeding is not a priority. Employees and managers reflected on several ways to best support breastfeeding mothers in the workplace.
CONCLUSIONS:
Organizational change within workplaces is needed starting with advocacy around creating an enabling workplace environment and increasing the knowledge and awareness of the benefits of workplace breastfeeding support and women`s breastfeeding rights.
Globally, mothers have identified employment as one of the leading barriers to exclusive and continued breastfeeding.
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the experiences and perceptions of employees’ and employers’ regarding breastfeeding support in designated workplaces (with more than 50 employees) in Worcester, South Africa.
METHODS:
A qualitative study collecting data at nine purposively selected designated workplaces, three each from retail, public and manufacturer sector were conducted. Eight in-depth interviews with human resource manager and/ or company managers, seven focus group discussions (n= 51) with employees and three managers focus group discussions (n=12) were conducted.
RESULTS:
Employees` viewed their workplaces as unsupportive in terms of providing breastfeeding time and space and negative attitudes from co – workers and supervisors. The provision of the recommended breastfeeding break time was mostly absent. Challenges raised by managers was lack of space and infrastructure and finance to create the space and resources. Managers voiced that they value a supportive workplace environment and a culture of caring and focusing on staff wellness. This was in conflict with employees mentioning challenges relating to the employer not caring and being unsympathetic. Employees claimed the reason to be employer’s focused on time, work, target and performance and that breastfeeding is not a priority. Employees and managers reflected on several ways to best support breastfeeding mothers in the workplace.
CONCLUSIONS:
Organizational change within workplaces is needed starting with advocacy around creating an enabling workplace environment and increasing the knowledge and awareness of the benefits of workplace breastfeeding support and women`s breastfeeding rights.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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