The Case for Workplace Accommodations in 2020
On November 19, Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition ofGeorgia (HMHBGA) had the pleasure of attending the Southern Pregnant WorkersFairness Convening hosted by A BetterBalance. During this convening, we were able to meet with organizationsworking on campaigns around state pregnancy workers fairness policies andstates that effectively passed legislation. As a result, we gained lessonslearned from successful state campaigns and connected with other organizationsfor resources and support.
Currently, 27 U.S. states have instituted legislation toensure working women are protected from discrimination while pregnant orpostpartum. The six southern states that have passed legislation include Kentucky,Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and West Virginia. For acomplete list of states’ pregnant workers fairness laws visit here.
Georgia is one of the 23 remaining states without policythat guarantees reasonable accommodations for pregnancy, breastfeeding, andchildbirth, meaning pregnant workers who simply need a stool to sit on, waterto stay hydrated or temporary relief from heavy lifting are vulnerable totermination. During the 2020legislative session, HMHBGA will actively advocate for business-friendlyand appropriate workplace accommodations as well as protections for pregnantand postpartum women.
Reasonable, low-cost accommodations such as adequate waterand food breaks or access to a seat during the workday, help women stay on thejob and support healthy pregnancies. The Kentucky Department of Public Healthand Wellness addressed pregnant worker health concerns in their2019 Pregnant Workers Health Impact Assessment; the report concluded thatreasonable accommodations could allow pregnant workers to stay on the job andreduce negative health outcomes for mother and baby.
It is also important for employers to provide lactation policiesto support families as they return to work, to improve Georgia’s breastfeedingduration rates. Only 22% of Georgia women are meeting the American Academy ofPediatrics’ recommendation of exclusively breastfeeding for six months. Breastfeedinghas been associated with a number of health benefits to a growing baby includingreduced risks of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), respiratory infections,diabetes, and obesity.
Finally, workplace accommodations help businesses by increasing employee retention and morale as well as reducing turnover. Women may be more inclined to stay in a job they know is supportive of their pregnancy and postpartum needs. This reduces turnover, thus saving employers training costs. Additionally, establishing protections for pregnant and postpartum employees also helps employers avoid costly litigation by providing explicit standards around discrimination. Clear guidelines will allow employers to better understand requirements for accommodations and standards around what may or may not be considered discrimination. This helps resolve problems before they arise and facilitates informal dispute resolution.
Are you interested in advocating for workplace accommodations in Georgia? Contact Amber Mack at amber.mack@hmhbga.org.