Office maternity room
What’s the importance of a room?
by Sophie Hatch
December 2023
A room is just a space, but what you put in that room can make a world of difference.
Several years ago, I joined Grosvenor Property UK, one of the largest privately owned property companies in the U.K., a prestigious name associated with Mayfair and Belgravia, conjuring images of Bridgerton. Being 4 months pregnant at the time, I was a little apprehensive about how inclusive and flexible a company with a history spanning more than 300 years would be. I was therefore pleasantly surprised to discover the family focus of the company, especially when I returned from maternity leave (still breastfeeding) and found that we had a maternity room.
Not just a random cupboard or a chair somewhere out of the way but a fully stocked and provisioned room. A place where I could go to pump, to have privacy and feel safe, and which made me feel like a valued employee. My needs were being seen and more importantly met, without even having to ask. The company had even gone one step further and provided books for parental mental health and leaflets highlighting where help could be obtained if needed.
This small but significant room made me feel supported in easing my transition back to work and has earned the company my respect as a market leading employer.
Here’s a video of the room:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Xm-dvcQadHQ
The room contains:
Dimmable lights
Comfy chair
Cushion
Blanket
Plug socket next to the chair (for pumps/phone charger etc) so this is a very important feature
Shelves next to the chair so you have somewhere you can put your drink/phone/pump
Bin
Nappy bin
Mini fridge specially for pumped milk
A sink
Hand soap as well as sanitiser
Hand towels (important as you can dry pump parts after washing them)
Leaflets on mental health
Mummy/daddy/parenting books
Mirror to make sure you’re not walking around with your buttons done up wrong
Baby change station
Lockable door
Fake flowers/plants to give a relaxed, homely feel.
So in answer to the question ‘What’s the importance of a room?’ The answer is EVERYTHING!
N.B. Many people are surprised to learn that in the U.K., unlike in the States, there is no legal requirement for an employer to provide a clean, private space for employees who wish to pump.
Links:
https://www.acas.org.uk/accommodating-breastfeeding-employees-in-the-workplace
The law doesn't require an employer to grant paid breaks from a job in order to breastfeed or to express milk for storage and later use. Neither does it require an employer to provide facilities to breastfeed or express milk, however see Frequently Asked Questions on page 9.