A unique maternity coaching program is helping organisations deal with the issues arising from gender diversity and female retention within the Australian professional services industry.
Designed by Fiona Craig Careers, the corporate Maternity Coaching program is helping to address the common issues women and organisations face upon re-entry into the workplace after a period of maternity leave.
The programs provide specialised support and guidance for organisations and employees within the professional services sector, focusing on ensuring that communication channels are open and aligned, to ensure a smooth a transition before and after return from parental leave for everyone involved.
“Maternity Coaching sits well within current diversity and flexibility policies in professional services organisations as it is complementary to measures which may already be in place to address support for women returning to the workplace. It is ultimately designed to make the transition back to work more successful for both parties,” said Fiona Craig, CEO of Fiona Craig Careers.
In an industry where men continue to dominate key leadership roles, encouraging women to remain in the workplace and progress their career is a huge priority. Craig believes many professional services organisations are beginning to add Maternity Coaching programs to help address female retention and gender diversity issues, which are preventing better female representation at senior levels.
“At Fiona Craig Careers, we recognise that organisations need comprehensive diversity and flexibility policies designed to assist with attracting and retaining female (and male) talent. However, there is no benefit to a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Our programs complement existing policies and are highly adaptable to fit the individual needs of the organisation and the employee.”
Organisations embracing maternity coaching programs benefit from improved retention, engagement and diversity figures for key female employees, enhanced productivity rates, increased alignment of organisational and individual career goals, and increased employer of choice branding through progressive diversity initiatives.
As for individuals, Craig’s program supports women prior to maternity leave, and those returning to the workforce after maternity leave who want to ensure they maximise their career opportunities. Further, she provides emotional support, creates a renewed focus on work, and assists with producing a realistic career plan for the future.
To find out more about Fiona Craig Careers, click here.