Mom@Work Study: Helping Women Return to Work After Childbirth
Author Information
Author(s): Stomp-van den Berg Suzanne GM, van Poppel Mireille NM, Hendriksen Ingrid JM, Bruinvels David J, Uegaki Kimi, de Bruijne Martine C, van Mechelen Willem
Primary Institution: Body@Work, Research Centre Physical Activity, Work and Health, TNO-VUmc, VU University Medical Centre
Hypothesis
Supervisors who have structural contact with their employees during maternity leave combined with occupational health care, when needed, will be more effective in reducing the number of sick leave days after maternity leave than supervisors who do not.
Conclusion
The Mom@Work study aims to provide insights into the factors affecting women's return to work after childbirth and the role of supervisors in this process.
Supporting Evidence
- 30% of Dutch workers are on sick leave after maternity leave.
- 55% of postpartum sick leave cases exceed 12 weeks.
- 29% of working women were absent due to sickness for two weeks or more after maternity leave.
Takeaway
This study is about helping new moms get back to work after having a baby by making sure their bosses check in on them and offer help if they need it.
Methodology
The study is designed as a simultaneous randomised controlled trial and cohort study, involving pregnant women working at participating companies, with supervisors randomly assigned to intervention or control groups.
Potential Biases
Selection bias may occur due to the preference for large companies with mostly female employees.
Limitations
The study may not be generalizable to all pregnant working women as it primarily involves large companies with a predominantly female workforce.
Participant Demographics
Pregnant women aged 18-45, working at least 12 hours a week, and fluent in Dutch.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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