As more women have entered the workforce, the need for lactation support has increased, yet is still not recognized as an important health benefit. This can not only have a negative effect on employees but can also extend to their families as well.   

Accommodations have been made over the years for non-essential needs such as smoking, including multiple break times and dedicated smoking areas. Originally it was a convenience; however, as we learned more about the negative health effects of smoking, businesses continue to make these accommodations.  Expressing breast milk is a vital health benefit both for the lactating parent as well as the infant whose primary nutrition source is breast milk.    

Read more: Here’s what a breastfeeding-friendly workplace looks like

Many female employees have had to make the difficult decision of leaving the workforce due to lack of or no parental leave, lack of a clean and safe lactation space to express breast milk during the workday, along with lack of break time to express breast milk throughout the day. Many employees are relegated to shared restrooms to express milk, scrutiny for taking the time to express breast milk and storing their milk in a shared refrigerator which leaves their milk open to theft or insufficient storage temperature. For those who make the decision to continue to work to help support their families, they have to make the decision to switch to formula before they had planned to. 

Many businesses across the US have recognized the health benefits for their employees and are seeing the benefits in the workplace.  Working parents with access to a dedicated lactation space have less absenteeism, better productivity, think more positively about their employer, and most importantly are happier because they can continue breastfeeding their children and can also share the responsibility with their spouses or partners. In wake of the Great Resignation and Great Reengagement, employees researching potential job changes are looking for health benefits including lactation rooms as part of their long-term career options.  

Read more: The state of Maine is extending breastfeeding benefits to thousands of employees

What do businesses need to know to create a dedicated lactation space for their employees? The space does not have to be large; however it needs to be a room that the employee feels safe and comfortable in.  Businesses do need to know what both local, state, and federal guidelines are for their area. This is important to make sure that both employers and employees are complying. 

What is needed to create a dedicated lactation space? Here are some guidelines to help set up your lactation space: 

Read more: Early mornings, late nights: How this working mom juggles business and parenthood

Businesses can also reach out to lactation support companies to help with everything from room design, education, support information and regular equipment maintenance.   

WalletHub ranked the economies of all 50 states and the District of Columbia on racial equality based on factors like its unemployment rate and poverty rate.

Tech and healthcare positions are in the lead as the most in demand fields as the workforce begins to reflect the last two years.

Benefit providers that support women’s and family health tell Employee Benefit News what the Roe v. Wade ruling means for their business, and how they plan to support their employees and clients.

A mixture of high-inflation and periodic recessions are gouging one of America's most vulnerable populations, seniors.

Our top stories reveal how HR leaders are staying energized when it comes to recruiting and retaining top talent.

Because of stigma, workplace addiction has become a DEI issue. Employee resource groups are emerging to promote a recovery-ready workplace environment.

The often unofficial workplace perk can help employees suffering from SAD and create more flexibility for caregiver employees.

Amazon is prioritizing healthcare in their investment strategy with the acquisition of primary care company, One Medical.

With employees working remotely, managing leave has become complex and time consuming, but the right tools can help HR leaders focus on people, instead of policy.

Yes, people are still quitting their jobs in droves — and they’re looking for their next big opportunity. Can your company come out on top?