NEW RESOURCES SUPPORT EXPECTANT, NEW, AND WORKING PARENTS THROUGH THE CURRENT COVID-19 CRISIS.

Supported by WorkSafe’s WorkWell Mental Health Improvement Fund, the Perinatal Workplace Wellbeing Program (PWWP) has released four new resources under a special project extension to help both individuals and employers navigate these unprecedented times. The free resources are available online, allowing for easy access to support and provide guidance when it's needed most.

Two employer-focused resource sheets are designed to help workplaces understand potential risks associated with expectant, new, and working parents, learn practical strategies and understand their legal obligations in relation to COVID-19.

“There is no one size fits all approach to supporting parents in the workplace. We’re asking employers to tailor their tactics, be transparent, communicate, connect, promote available support, and show compassionate leadership and care throughout this time,” says Dr Sarah Cotton, co-founder of Transitioning Well.

The two resources available online for employers are:

• ●  Supporting Expectant/New parent Employees through COVID-19

• ●  Supporting Working Parents in the Transition to Working from Home through COVID-19

  “We created these resources to support employers in navigating this unprecedented transition. The impact of COVID- 19 upon Australian workplaces is complex and far reaching and we hope that these resources offer timely support!” says Dr. Cotton.

  For expectant, new, or working parents themselves, PWWP has also created two resource sheets specifically designed for individuals. These resources unpack common questions around COVID-19, provide advice and support, and offer practical tips on navigating this “new normal”.

  The two resources currently available online for employees are:

• ●  Expectant/New Parents: What do I need to know about COVID-19?

• ●  Transition to Home: What do I need to know about working from home with kids, partners, and parents through the COVID-19 Pandemic?

  Dr Nicole Highet, founder of COPE says, “We already know that pregnancy and the year following birth is a time when men and women are most likely to experience high levels of stress and anxiety as they try to adjust to the myriad of emotional, biological and physical changes that come with preparing for and having a baby. In the event of COVID-19 expectant and new parents are now additionally grappling to accommodate to further expectations and adjustments such as the delivery of their maternity care, the way that they access support from others, financial stress and even how they need to adapt their day to day life prior to, and around the time of birth, and in the months following birth. Ultimately these additional adaptations and uncertainties further exacerbate anxiety and distress amongst parents, at an already vulnerable time”.

  In addition to these free resources, PWWP are also offering employers two free webinars to explore both employer- related resources in more depth and allow for employer Q&As. The webinars are scheduled for Thursday 16th and Friday 17th of April at 11am.