Pregnancy and Parenting at Work: training managers to support pregnancy and loss in the workplace

In 2020 Tommy’s embarked on revolutionising our training and support package to help employers support their employees through any pregnancy journey, including, crucially, those that end in loss.

Tommy’s have long campaigned to break the silence around baby loss which impacts 1 in 4 women in the UK. Baby loss devastates parents; 20% of women and men who undergo a miscarriage still experience symptoms of PTSD over 9 months later. Yet Tommy’s workplace surveys consistently show missing or inadequate support, and workplace culture which remains quiet, awkward, insensitive, or even hostile in the face of situations like baby loss. A real cultural shift is needed to develop supportive workplace communities. Pregnancy and Parenting at Work launched in June 2021. A unique e-learning and resource package for managers designed by Tommy’s in conjunction with parents, experts and a group of leading cross- sector organisations, it provides expert, inclusive guidance and training on supporting employees through miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature birth with additional support for dads and partners. One year on we are now driving national conversations, equipping thousands of managers to have vital conversations about baby loss, and transforming the support parents across the country receive, whatever their journey.