Exploring Workplace Wellbeing and Working Experiences of Women after Maternity Leave: A Narrative Literature Review

Abstract

Women from various cultures face many obstacles when they return to work following maternity leave, which affects their work-life balance, career advancement, and workplace well-being. Women often face the emotional turmoil of leaving their newborns at the care of others while they reintegrate into their workplace. This narrative literature review identifies important elements that affect women’s reintegration into work life. The study emphasizes the necessity of inclusive workplace policies, more applicable parental leave frameworks, and changes in workplace culture. The study also explores the role of coworkers and supervisors that can act as support systems for new mothers. This review looks not only into the job related wellbeing and working experience but also focus on women’s mental and physical health with context to the postpartum period and its subsequent influence in the workplace. By analyzing various studies, this paper identifies key factors such as flexible work arrangements, employer support, childcare accessibility, and workplace culture that shape post-maternity employment outcomes. Common barriers include lack of childcare support, and limited career advancement opportunities. Long-term career outcomes and the influence of intersectional factors on postpartum work experiences need to be further investigated. A Shorter duration of maternity leave along with the work pressure and organization culture that doesn’t support breastfeeding seems to be hindering factors. The study highlights the need for more understanding of the psychological aspects and other understudied aspects in exploring women’s experience of returning to work after maternity leave.