Reproductive Health in the Workplace

In order for businesses to be competitive in the current economy, workplaces need committed, healthy employees.  In Canada, women make up almost half of the workforce with over 75% of these women in their prime childbearing years.  Eighty percent (80%) of women will become pregnant during their working years.  However, don’t wait until you have a pregnant worker to put healthy policies or practices in place: a healthy pregnancy and birth is dependent on many factors prior to conception.  Also, workers who are planning a pregnancy or already pregnant are known to be highly motivated to improve their health.  Timely information in conjunction with a supportive environment can help women and their partners make significant health changes.   

Creating a Supportive Environment:

• Provide packages with information for pregnant workers and new parents;
• Host a "Planning before Pregnancy" lunch and learn series facilitated by a Public Health Nurse;
• Promote local prenatal classes and prenatal health fairs by posting a poster available from the Region of Waterloo Public Health;
• Support and/or offer programs that promote a healthy lifestyle;
• Advocate for healthy food choices offered in the cafeteria or vending machines;
• Offer flexible work arrangements such as compressed work week, modified work week, job shares, etc.;
• Provide a place to rest during breaks or lunch time;
• Provide a well-ventilated working environment; and,
• Offer to reassign or to modify work duties especially if these involve heavy lifting, strenuous work, prolonged periods of standing or exposure to radiation, chemical, physical or biological hazards.

Newly Revised Resource
Pregnancy and Work Display
This display can be borrowed by contacting Joanne Enders (see contact information below).

Mark Your Calendar/Inform Your Employees
Prenatal Health Fair
February 10, 2009, from 5-8 p.m.
Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex
A health fair for parents planning a pregnancy or already pregnant.
Call 519-883-2308 for more information about the event.
If you would like to receive a poster and postcards or receive notice of upcoming prenatal health fairs by email please call 519-883-2005 ext. 5025.

For more information on Reproductive Health in the Workplace, please visit our Project Health Resources section, Motherisk, Best Start, or contact Joanne Enders, Region of Waterloo Public Health Nurse, at 519-883-2005 ext. 5232.

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