Black Maternal Mental Health Week: Why It Matters for Managers
Disclaimer: The advice shared in this article is general and can pertain to all new mothers, however, in light of Black Maternal Mental Health Week, this article is specifically dedicated to women from ethnic minorities.
Approximately 1 in 10 new mothers experience depression after their baby is born*, but evidence suggests that women from ethnic minorities may be disproportionately affected by mental health issues during the pre and postnatal period**. Black Maternal Mental Health Week UK, launched by social enterprise The Motherhood Group, aims to highlight these racial disparities faced by black mothers during pregnancy and after birth. This year, the awareness week will be observed from the 23rd to the 29th of September, under the theme ‘Transforming and Advancing Change’.
Black Maternal Mental Health as a Workplace Matter
With so much of our personal and professional lives intertwined, black maternal mental health is not a topic that should only be confined to discussions at home. As a manager, you can also play a role in supporting your employees’ mental health and wellbeing. Through educating yourself, as well as acknowledging and addressing the unique challenges faced by black mothers, you can create a more inclusive and supportive workplace.
Creating a Truly Inclusive Environment
Understanding the potential challenges that the women in your team might be facing can be incredibly beneficial for providing the right support. By being aware of the difficulties they may encounter, such as balancing work with personal commitments or dealing with health issues during their pregnancy, you can tailor your approach to meet their specific needs more effectively.
For instance, women who are pregnant or new mothers might struggle with fatigue, morning sickness, or the physical and emotional demands of pregnancy and early motherhood. These challenges may impact their ability to perform at their usual capacity. Recognising these potential issues allows you to offer accommodations, such as flexible working hours, the option to work from home, or additional breaks during the day.
Encourage a Work-Life Balance
Pregnancy can be incredibly demanding, both mentally and physically. It’s essential to ensure that employees are taking full advantage of their annual leave and setting clear boundaries between work and home life to help manage their stress levels. This can include encouraging them to use their annual leave to rest and recharge, emphasising that this period is crucial for prioritising their wellbeing. Remind your team member/s that it’s perfectly okay to step back from work responsibilities when needed and that their health should always come first. Make accommodations for medical appointments and check-ups, doing your best to discourage any feelings of guilt your team member might express around these.
Offer a Listening Ear
Even if you can’t fully understand or resonate with what your team member is experiencing, offering a listening ear is always a valuable and supportive gesture. Being there to listen shows that you care and are willing to provide emotional support, which can make a significant difference to someone if they are going through a tough time.
When you offer a listening ear, you’re creating a safe space for your team member/s to express their feelings and concerns without fear of judgment. This can help them feel heard and validated, which is crucial for their emotional wellbeing.
It’s also important to respect their privacy and confidentiality during this time. Let them know that anything they share with you will be kept in confidence, unless they give you permission to share it with others. This builds trust and encourages open communication.
Be Ready to Signpost
While this might not be your area of expertise, that doesn’t mean you can’t provide valuable guidance on where your team can find further support. Being ready to signpost means knowing where to direct your team members when they need additional help or resources. This can make a significant difference for employees who are struggling or seeking more information.
Familiarise yourself with the resources available within your organisation, such confidential counselling and support services for personal or professional issues. Additionally, mental health hotlines can also provide information and support mothers in the pre or postnatal period. Here are a few helpful online resources available for employees who are struggling or would like further information:
Black Maternal Mental Health Week UK - The Motherhood Group
Black maternal mental health | Mental Health Foundation
