Nearly 50% of pregnant women in the workforce face a lack of consideration from colleagues and supervisors, according to a recent study conducted by the Korea Population Health and Welfare Association. The study highlights the need for improvements in addressing the challenges faced by pregnant women in the workplace, especially in light of the country’s alarmingly low fertility rate.
Of the 1,000 pregnant women surveyed, 43.9% expressed that the most negative experience during pregnancy was the judgment they faced from their colleagues and supervisors. Additionally, approximately 22% cited discomfort due to physical changes as the most challenging aspect, while 20.6% called for the expansion of rest areas and break times in the workplace.
The study also revealed that around 40% of pregnant women stressed the need for adjusted commuting hours, with 19.8% believing that changing job roles to a safer environment was crucial. The findings highlight the importance of implementing additional government policies to enhance the work environment for pregnant women and those who have recently given birth.
In terms of support at home, 34.5% of pregnant women reported a lack of understanding and support from family members as their most negative experience. As a result, 36.8% emphasized the importance of sharing household chores, while 19.7% highlighted the need for emotional support.
Furthermore, pregnant women faced challenges in their daily lives, with 58.9% stating that the most negative experience was encountering people smoking in public. Despite 85.1% of non-pregnant individuals claiming to show consideration for pregnant women, only 63% of pregnant women reported receiving help or consideration from strangers. Approximately 24% of respondents emphasized the provision of seats in public transportation as the most necessary consideration, with 16.2% calling for more smoke-free environments and 14.3% suggesting dedicated parking spaces for pregnant women.
South Korea currently holds the world’s lowest fertility rate, with a total fertility rate of just 0.78 in 2022. In response, government offices and private companies have begun formulating policies to address the declining fertility rate, as it poses a significant threat to the working population.
The study’s findings shed light on the challenges faced by pregnant women in the workplace and in society as a whole. It underscores the need for comprehensive support systems and policies that cater to the unique needs of pregnant women and prioritize their well-being. By implementing these changes, South Korea can potentially create a more inclusive and supportive environment for its pregnant workforce.
