Experiences of Dutch nurses and doctors with pregnancy and menopause in the workplace

BackgroundThe scope of research on pregnancy and menopause is growing, but the actual workplace changes that can support women during these transitional stages are falling behind.ObjectiveTo understand various interactional processes on the work floor that hamper changes in the context of an academic hospital we (i) explore how female nurses and doctors experience pregnancy and menopause in the workplace, and (ii) what management knows about these experiences.MethodsThis is an empirical qualitative exploratory study based on semi-structured interviews (n = 21), focus groups (n = 2) and discussion groups (n = 2) with female nurses and doctors, male and female managers, occupational specialists and external experts (in total N = 33). The focus groups and dialogue sessions were used to enrich and to validate the results. The data was analysed with the use of MAXQDA and followed the grounded theory approach.ResultsThree processes were identified: (1) internalisation of work ethos that transforms maternal bodies into work instruments; (2) self-silencing and physical invisibility of maternal bodies as survival strategies; and (3) normalisation of silence about pregnancy and/or menopause at all levels of the organisation.ConclusionMaternal bodies of the female employees become instruments of providing care and disappear in the workplace. These processes are facilitated by the current structure of an academic hospital and are a part of the organisational culture within the healthcare system in the Netherlands. Making these processes open to discussion will contribute to development of the tailor-made education and interventions involving all stakeholders.