Returning to work can be challenging for a breastfeeding mother, her infant, and the family given the need to express on schedule. Proper support or accommodations in the workplace makes this more achievable and fosters inclusivity for working moms. Procter & Gamble (P&G) Philippines, known for its equality and inclusion practices, shares how they enable this at work.
The company intentionally planned for well-appointed breastfeeding rooms in its sites. These are private, quiet and clean spaces where mothers can express breastmilk, store it in a refrigerator, and clean their equipment with a dedicated sink station. All cubicles are thoughtfully equipped with tables and chairs at a comfortable height, electrical outlets for pumps, and a footrest per cubicle.
New mom Jewel Co-Villanueva, P&G’s Women’s Network Leader and Financial and Accounting Director shares, “The mothers’ rooms are like an extension of my home where I can easily clean my equipment and store my breast milk while keeping my privacy. Having these rooms is comforting and welcoming for moms returning to work. It shows us how the Company practices equality and inclusion and respects our personal needs,” says Co-Villanueva.
“P&G’s mothers’ room enabled moms to still meet work demands while continuing their breastfeeding journey during business hours. Provisions like this also enabled people we work with, like managers and colleagues, to be aware of a breastfeeding teammate’s needs,” she adds.
Over the years, P&G has been intentional in its programs, practices and policies that help remove barriers for employees to have equal opportunity to perform at their peak. For field-based working moms such as those in Sales, the company supports their need by providing a driver or separate vehicle so moms can continue to express on schedule while on the road.
We see equal
P&G’s “We See Equal” commitment to champion equality and inclusion in the workplace and beyond is geared so everyone can be their authentic selves and perform at their peak. P&G Philippines’ gender ratio is a strong balance of 53% female and 47% male across the organization, and 54% female and 46% male even at the more senior levels.
