Business Case for Breastfeeding. Steps for Creating a Breastfeeding Friendly Worksite: Easy Steps to Supporting Breastfeeding Employees

摘要

Return on investment (ROI) is the bottom line in assessing the value of new programs. Research shows that providing a lactation support program is not only highly desired by breastfeeding employees who return to work after childbirth, it can also improve your company's ROI by saving money in health care and employee expenses. This report demonstrates to corporate executives and others interested in improving employee services how a lactation support program can: (1) Lower medical costs and health insurance claims for breastfeeding employees and their infants (up to three times less for breastfeeding employees); (2) Reduce turnover rates (86-92 percent of breastfeeding employees returning to work after childbirth when a lactation support program is provided compared to the national average of 59 percent); (3) Lower absenteeism rates (up to half the number of 1 day absences); (4) Improve productivity; and (5) Raise employee morale and loyalty to the company. This booklet provides you, the human resource manager, and other members of your wellness team with an integrated approach to implementing a cost-effective lactation support program.