Unum research highlights key challenges for new parents
May 08 2019 - 9:07AM
Business Wire
New resource helps guide moms and dads through
the parental leave process
During a time of the year when the nation celebrates mothers and
fathers, new research from employee benefits leader Unum (NYSE:
UNM) spotlights some of the struggles parents can face at work.
From navigating benefits to developing a leave plan and returning
to work, juggling new parent duties with job responsibilities can
be challenging.
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In March 2019, Unum conducted research among 500 new mothers and
fathers who had or adopted a child in the previous five years. Some
of the key findings include:
- 49% of new moms and 36% of new dads did
not meet with their manager or HR department to discuss their leave
benefits; 40% of those who did spent 30 minutes or less
- Some of the top struggles of new
parents included leaving their child (61%), not wanting to return
to work but needing the income (52%), logistics of childcare (42%)
and a reduced focus or concentration at work (37%)
- Paid leave is the most desired
workplace benefit, but only 30% of these new parents’ employers
offer it
- 47% of new mothers said breastfeeding
at work was one of their biggest challenges and only 17% of parents
said their employer offers lactation rooms
- 60% of moms and 40% of dads struggled
with depression or anxiety after becoming new parents
“Becoming a new parent is a special time and most employers
offer a range of valuable financial protection benefits like short
term disability insurance and paid family leave,” said Angel
Bennett, Director, Leave Management Center, Unum. “This research
highlights the importance of having an open dialogue with HR,
developing a leave and return-to-work plan, and discussing all the
benefits their company offers.”
To help new parents navigate this often-confusing process, Unum
has developed Bringing Up Baby: A Guide to Workplace Parental
Leave Resources, which contains basic tips, timing and
conversation starters to engage with managers and HR
representatives. Additionally, it spotlights key findings from
research and contains links to additional resources. This guide,
along with other employee and HR resources including Unum’s recent
Mental Health Report and Caregiving Report, can be
found at unum.com/workwell.
ABOUT UNUM GROUP
Unum Group is a leading provider of financial protection
benefits in the United States and the United Kingdom and the
leading provider of disability income protection in the world. Its
businesses are Unum US, Colonial Life, Unum UK, and Unum Poland.
Unum’s portfolio includes disability, life, accident and critical
illness, dental and vision coverage, which help protect millions of
working people and their families in the event of an illness or
injury. Unum also provides stop-loss coverage to help self-insured
employers protect against unanticipated medical costs. The company
reported revenues of $11.6 billion in 2018, and provided $7.2
billion in benefits.
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Brad Carmony 423-294-5238Toll free:
866-850-8686Bcarmony@unum.com
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