Towards a model of maternity leave transition

Cross, Christine, Darcy, Colette, Lavin, Maeve and O'Donnell, Una (2018) Towards a model of maternity leave transition. In: EURAM 2018 Annual Conference, 19th-22nd June 2018, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland. (Submitted)

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Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to propose a conceptual model of maternity leave transition adapting the work of Arman (2009) and specifically the application of the Framework of Repatriation Adjustment model to mothers returning from maternity leave. The conceptual model is tailored to the specific circumstances of the women’s experiences of maternity leave and their subsequent transition back to work.

The paper adapts and applies Arman’s (2009) Framework of Repatriation Adjustment model to the experience of women transitioning back to work following a period of maternity leave. The paper argues that the experiences of expatriates returning to their home country following a period abroad is not dissimilar to those experiences of mothers returning to work following a period of maternity leave.

An outcome of this paper is the development of a new conceptual model of maternity leave transition.

Research limitations/implications – This paper suggests a number of emergent areas for future research. The model offers researchers a new line of investigation in terms of the antecedents which are likely to impact on women’s decision regarding their return to work. Female employment rates have almost doubled in the past five decades yet despite this, female labour force participation rates remain behind their male counterparts particularly with regard to mothers. There are also organisational risks associated with a poor readjustment process for returning mothers. The proposed conceptual model suggests a number of possible areas for HR practitioners to consider to assist with retention of this cohort of employees.

This paper is unique in its approach to the examination of maternity leave transition and in particular, offering a new perspective on the factors which potentially impact upon whether or not a woman decides to return to work and how positive or otherwise this transition may be.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management > Human Resource Management H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > Issues of Labour and Work > Classes of Labour > Women and Work
Divisions:	School of Business > Staff Research and Publications
Depositing User:	Caoimhe Ní Mhaicín
Date Deposited:	03 Aug 2018 09:18
Last Modified:	03 Aug 2018 09:20
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/3070

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