Special Contributor: Sara Goldvine, Chief Operating Officer, Coast Mental Health
Why is it Important to Promote Women Around Maternity Leave?
Promoting mothers isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s also good business. Organizations focused on long-term goals can’t afford to hold talented employees back simply because they’re taking time off for maternity leave. Instead, companies should recognize that a woman’s value doesn’t diminish during this transitional period. Declining to promote a woman simply because she is a mother doesn’t just affect her career—it risks losing her talent altogether, as she may seek out companies that value her skills and contributions.
The Positive Impact of Promoting Women on Maternity Leave
The benefits of promoting women on or returning from maternity leave extend beyond the individual. Not only does it help retain a skilled employee it also fosters an inclusive workplace culture that values diverse experiences.
Inclusive teams are more than just equitable—they’re dynamic and creative, bringing strategic value to the organization. Building a culture that values women at every stage of their careers, including motherhood, helps create a workplace that’s adaptable, innovative, and future-ready. This benefits everyone, including those who face other barriers like race, disability, gender identity and expression, and sexual orientation.
Steps Leaders Can Take to Combat Maternal Bias
One of the strongest steps leaders can take is to challenge their own biases and lead by example. Ask yourself and hiring managers: what would you do if this employee were a father? This question helps expose and dismantle ingrained biases that may go unnoticed. Leaders can also break down stigma by sharing their own caregiving experiences—whether it’s taking a day off to care for a sick child or navigating a chaotic home environment on a virtual call. By sharing these moments authentically, leaders help create a culture where employees feel they can bring their whole selves to work, free from judgment or penalty.
How Mothers Can Stay Promotable
I think it’s important that mothers spend time on self-reflection, as they navigate significant life change. We’re surrounded by messages around what working mothers should want, but it’s important to understand your own priorities and goals. Whether it’s the desire for new challenges, team leadership, or financial security, understanding these drivers can help mothers map a path that aligns with both their professional and personal aspirations.
A Call to Action for Inclusive Workplaces
Promoting women around maternity leave is a powerful, yet often overlooked, way to champion equity in the workplace. It requires organizations and leaders to be proactive in challenging biases, valuing diverse experiences, and creating an environment where all employees feel supported. By prioritizing inclusive promotion practices, for women in the years surrounding maternity leave organizations can create a ripple effect of positive change throughout their entire workforce.
Maturn Note: A special thank you to Sara Goldvine for her valuable insights and her commitment to fostering inclusive workplaces. Her experiences and perspectives highlight the impact of supporting women through every phase of their careers, including motherhood. We’re grateful for her contribution and hope her message inspires more leaders to champion maternal equity.
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