In this engaging discussion, Danna Greenberg, a professor at Babson College and co-author of *Maternal Optimism*, shares insights on the challenges mothers face when returning to work after maternity leave. She emphasizes the importance of individualized support and challenges societal norms, revealing that each family's transition is unique. Danna advocates for open conversations about parenting roles in the workplace and systemic changes to better accommodate working parents. Her research highlights the joy that can come from viewing parenting as a complementary role to professional life.
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insights INSIGHT
The Narrative of Guilt
The dominant narrative around working mothers focuses on guilt and anguish.
This narrative overshadows the reality that most mothers work out of economic necessity and don't necessarily feel guilty.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Dad's Day vs. Mom's Day
Dave Stachowiak initially referred to Mondays as "dad's day" based on his family's schedule.
His wife, Bonnie, pointed out the inherent bias in this label, as it implies all other days are "mom's day."
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Coaching Returning Mothers
Avoid making assumptions about a woman's feelings upon returning to work.
Ask open-ended questions to understand their individual needs and preferences, just like in coaching.
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Danna Greenberg: Maternal Optimism
Danna Greenberg is the Walter H. Carpenter Professor of Organizational Behavior at Babson College. Her main area of research focuses on understanding the intersection between individuals' work and non-work lives as they move through their career. Her scholarship is guided by the belief that individuals can and should be able to live full lives at work and at home and that by challenging current assumptions regarding work we can find better ways for businesses, families, and communities to thrive.
Her other research stream centers on the scholarship of teaching and learning. Here she is focused on the continued changing landscape of higher education as it pertains to how we teach, what we teach, and how to define the lives of academics. Danna has published more than 30 articles and book chapters in leading journals including Academy of Management Journal, Human Resource Management, and Academy of Management Learning and Education. She is the co-author with Jamie Ladge of Maternal Optimism: Forging Positive Paths Through Work and Motherhood*.
When women return to work after a baby, there’s a lot our society implies about how that’s supposed to look. Danna’s research finds that this can look very different for every family. On this episode, a few things that women, their partners, and their managers can do to support a better transition in returning to work.
Key Points
Over 70% of mothers in the United States return to work after having children.
There tends to be a “guilt and anguish” script in the popular media about women returning to work after a maternity leave. That’s absolutely true for some women (especially those with fewer resources) but other women have very different experiences.
Managers can help by opening dialogue about what’s ideal to support a woman and her family during and after maternity leave.
Comments like “I am so impressed by how you are going to do it all!” are often well-intended but can reinforce views that might not be true for a woman or her family. Focus praise at work on work, not parenting.
Men may be more likely to listen to the challenges working mother face when other men surface them. Male managers can take the lead on this.
During leave, mothers can help create a foundation of shared parenting (if that’s their choice) by engaging their partners in substantial ways in childcare and limit gatekeeping.
Resources Mentioned
Maternal Optimism: Forging Positive Paths Through Work and Motherhood* by Jamie Ladge and Danna Greenberg
Interview Notes
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Related Episodes
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Finding Joy Through Intentional Choices, with Bonni Stachowiak (episode 417)
How to Create Inclusive Hiring Practices, with Ruchika Tulshyan (episode 589)
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