News and media
Mná@UCC and PLRG Workshop explores how to foster compassionate workplaces for people who experience pregnancy loss
Fostering compassionate and supportive workplaces for people who experience pregnancy loss was the focus of a workshop hosted by the Pregnancy Loss Research Group (PLRG) and Mná@UCC on Tuesday, 27 May. The event aimed to provide a forum for UCC staff to hear about recent research in this area and to input into local and national resources for workplaces currently under development.
During the opening presentation, Professor Keelin O’Donoghue and Marita Hennessy PhD provided an overview of the findings and recommendations from the PLACES (Pregnancy Loss in Workplaces: Informing policymakers on support mechanisms) Project. Commissioned by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, the PLACES report recommended that a statutory right to paid leave should be introduced for pre-viability pregnancy loss. A further eight recommendations for Government to consider in developing workplace supports for people who experience pregnancy loss under 24 weeks were also proposed, including the need for clear workplace policies and practices, including additional supports and accommodations.
Focus then turned to work underway to implement the recommendations from this work, locally and nationally. Dr Avril Hutch, Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, provided an overview of the Pregnancy Loss Support Policy which is under development at UCC. Dr Caoimhe Ní Éalaithe (Registrar in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Cork University Maternity Hospital and PLRG member) subsequently outlined the contents of a workplace toolkit for pregnancy loss which is being developed by members of the PLRG.
Building on and informing this work, workshop attendees then actively participated in an hour-long World Café to explore issues from their perspective that were important for inclusion in the UCC pregnancy loss policy and PLRG workplace toolkit. The session was ably led by Dr Oana Sânziana Marian (Postdoctoral Researcher, PLRG) with Professor O’Donoghue, Marita Hennessy and Dr Caoimhe Ní Éalaithe facilitating small group discussions with distinct areas of focus at each of three tables. After 15 minutes, participants moved to the next table and built on ideas generated and shared. Some of the key themes arising from discussions included the importance of having appropriate and accessible policies and procedures, as well as training and practical guidance and resources to support their implementation. There was particular emphasis around topics such as disclosure, accessing leave and support, communication and language, awareness and support for partners.
Susan O' Mahony, Staff Wellbeing & Development Advisor, provided an overview of supports at UCC in the final presentation of the day.
The two-hour workshop was held in the Dr Dora Allman Room in The Hub, a large multifunctional space with panoramic views of the campus surroundings – perfect for hosting this event. People valued the format of the workshop, the skilled facilitation and supportive environment.
Many thanks to everyone who participated in the workshop and who generously of their time, insights and expertise. A summary report of workshop discussions is being prepared and will be shared. We also wish to thank Mná@UCC, in particular Co-Chairs Clíodhna O’Callaghan and Emma Connolly, for co-hosting this event with us and for their ongoing support of our work.
More information
Mná@UCC is the Women's Network in University College Cork. The network was launched in November 2020 to support academic, research and professional services staff in the university. We aim to support, build, inspire and engage networks and communities of women in UCC.
Photo gallery
Professor Keelin O’Donoghue and Marita Hennessy PhD
Dr Oana Sânziana Marian
Marita Hennessy PhD
Professor O’Donoghue facilitating a table on the UCC Pregnancy Loss Support Policy
Insights into discussions at the table on the Toolkit for Workplaces (Workers/Colleagues)