Miscarriages are common.

According to the March of Dimes, between 10-15% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage. The experience is physically and emotionally difficult, and often exasperated by our culture of silence around miscarriages.

Leading employers are stepping up to support their employees through a very challenging experience. During a time when it can seem difficult to know what the right thing is to do, consider offering the following benefits as a way to show compassion not just to an employee that has lost her baby but also to her partner who shares in her experience of loss:

• Short-term disability (STD): Grant STD to give employees ample time to recover from the physical side effects of the loss and/or related surgical procedure. *A 2018 Business Group Quick Survey found that 61% of employers offer STD and bereavement leave to employees that have experienced pregnancy loss.
• Bereavement leave: Give employees the time they need to grieve and focus on their emotional recovery. *Among employers who offer this, 4-5 days are most common for duration. This benefit could be offered to the partner, as well.
• Flexibility: Allow for employees to take advantage of flexible work arrangements as they transition back into a regular routine after their loss.
• Emotional Support: Remind employees of emotional and mental health benefits that are already in place whether it is through an EAP, a grief support group or another service.

Creating a culture of compassion is vitally important for employers wanting to show their awareness of and consideration for employees who experience pregnancy loss. It is an experience no one should have to go through but letting employees know they are valued and that the company supports them through this painful time can make a world of difference
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