Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Propelling Women’s Roles in the Workplace

The newly passed Pregnant Workers Fairness Act requires employers with 15 or more employees to make reasonable accommodations for people affected as a consequence of pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, such as fertility treatments or postpartum depression. This is a step in the right direction in helping bring mothers back into the workforce and in narrowing the gender divide. 

After more than a decade of anticipation, the enactment of this long-awaited law marks a significant victory for women, whose experiences with pregnancy-related challenges have proved not only challenging but career-ending. The pandemic further exacerbated these issues, with women shouldering increased caregiving responsibilities, all leading to higher rates of workforce exit by this group compared to men. Recognizing the unique struggles faced by women during these life events, the new legislation is a beacon of progress in safeguarding their rights and well-being.

This groundbreaking legislation establishes a clear framework that ensures equal treatment for pregnant employees, addressing ambiguities caused by Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 and Americans with Disabilities Act neither of which provided full protection from discrimination. 

So, what does this mean for companies and pregnant employees? How is this helping women? 

As a federal standard, the PWFA strengthens the rights of pregnant workers and fosters equal treatment and opportunities in the workplace, bridging state-level variations. It’s a long-overdue and incredibly significant step toward cultivating an inclusive and equitable work environment, guaranteeing pregnant workers receive consistent and standardized protections, and the support and accommodations they deserve in all states. And countless studies prove that having a diverse workforce is important for business success; in fact, diverse companies outperform homogenous ones in many ways. Supporting working women shows clients and employees what a company values, enhances the culture — which is critical for engagement and retention — and allows people to bring their best selves to work. The introduction of the PWFA brings us a step closer to creating environments that are not exclusionary once a woman has a child. 

Beyond the profound impact on women, this law also holds promising prospects for businesses. As employers grapple with the ongoing labor shortage, the creation of a more supportive workplace becomes a catalyst for fostering employee retention and well-being. By accommodating the needs of pregnant employees and addressing caregiving responsibilities, businesses stand to cultivate an environment that not only attracts top talent but also fosters loyalty and commitment from their workforce.

Annie Rosencrans is director of People & Culture at HiBob, the company behind the transformative HR platform bob, which brings together employees and managers to help them communicate and collaborate more effectively.

Did You Know: As a federal standard, the newly passed Pregnant Workers Fairness Act strengthens the rights of pregnant workers and fosters equal treatment and opportunities in the workplace, bridging state-level variations.