The Impact of Maternity Pay and Leave on Women, Children, and Employers: A Case Study of IKEA

This research proposal aims to analyze the benefits of maternity pay and leave, focusing on its impact on women's health, child development, and employer outcomes. The study will utilize a descriptive research approach, employing both primary and secondary data collection methods. Primary data will be gathered through questionnaires and interviews with IKEA employees and general public, while secondary data will be sourced from existing research reports, company websites, and legislative documents. The research will explore the effectiveness of IKEA's maternity leave policy and its contribution to employee retention, productivity, and overall organizational success. The findings will provide valuable insights into the importance of comprehensive maternity leave policies and their positive impact on individuals, families, and society as a whole.

RESEARCH PROPOSAL

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction..................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Importance to study...............................................................................................................1
1.2 Aim and objectives................................................................................................................2
1.3 Research questions.................................................................................................................3
Literature review..............................................................................................................................4
2.1 Maternity pay & leave in UK................................................................................................4
2.2 Maternity leave & maternal outcomes...................................................................................5
2.3 Maternity pays & leave benefits in IKEA.............................................................................6
2.4 Impact on women labour market outcome............................................................................6
2.5 Impact on children.................................................................................................................7
2.6 Impact on outcomes of employer..........................................................................................7
3. Research methodology.................................................................................................................9
3.1 Type of research....................................................................................................................9
3.2 Data collection.......................................................................................................................9
3.3 Sampling..............................................................................................................................10
3.4 Analyzing tools....................................................................................................................10
4. Timescale...................................................................................................................................11
5. Limitation..................................................................................................................................13
6. Conclusion and recommendation..............................................................................................14
References......................................................................................................................................16

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Framework of maternity leave.........................................................................................2
Figure 2: Maternity paid around the world......................................................................................4
Figure 3: Benefits of maternity........................................................................................................5
Figure 4: Maternity bill....................................................................................................................7
Figure 5: Stages of leaves..............................................................................................................14

1. Introduction
It is said that if in any country its women are strong and independent then it is definitely a
country with economical and social stability. Women are very strong pillar in country’s
development when it is discussion about women, maternity period is considered as the most
valuable and sensitive time period for her and to protect that there is provision in Law for
maternity.
1.1 Importance to study
There are some issues like feminism, mental health, economy and others all are so much
important to be considered as these all factors represent a country’s prosperity and development.
If country needs to develop things such as gender equality, pay attention and conservation to the
maternity leave Fallon et.al. (2017). It is seen that the lack of knowledge about work life balance
and at the time of pregnancy it is very much important that a woman must be felt without any
stress and tension which can be harmful for her and her child’s health. After the child birth if
women are provided proper leave she can care herself and her child in a better way as
vaccination and baby care visits to the doctor on timely basis.
If someone is from low income group these maternity benefits help them a lot as financially and
emotionally. This helps to minority women and unmarried women for caring their child in more
effective way. It also increases women in the workplace it is seen that in Google maternity leave
has extended from 12 to 18 weeks and the rate at which new mothers left the company fell by
50%. So if companies invest in this they protect workforce Goodman et.al. (2017). In terms of
economy it is really beneficial as it is saving turnover rates and training costs also. A great
economy always considers its women more important than others and focuses on their education
and health benefits.
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Figure 1: Framework of maternity leave
(Source: Cooperation and economic development, 2018)
So it is very clear that this study is really important to spread the awareness and developing
understanding regarding the maternity and women health benefits. It must be included in the
study because women’s health cannot be ignored because women are roots for everything in the
world she must be taken care in precious way Grimshaw and Rubery, (2015). So here in this
research study it is discussed that why maternity leave are beneficial in every manner.
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1.2 Aim and objectives
Aim
The main aim of this study is to analyse and discuss the benefits of maternity pay and leave
because it is very important to have knowledge about this as women’s health is the most
important thing.
Objective
 To develop the understanding of Maternity pay & leave benefits
 To analyse how this can be more improved with new practices
 To evaluate the law and the area where more work is required so more people can be
benefited
1.3 Research questions
 How the Maternity pay and leave benefit is beneficial for entire country’s development.
 Why Maternity pay and leave benefits must be more improvised.
 Why every organisation should concern about the maternity benefits.
 Is paternity leave complimentary to the maternity leave.
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Literature review
2.1 Maternity pay & leave in UK
Maternity leave is defined as period of approved absence for a female employee given or
provided for the purpose to give birth and to take care of infant children. Maternity leave can last
anywhere from several weeks to a period of months which depends on the company and can be
paid or unpaid that depends on the policy Rossin-Slater, (2017). Every country or states
according to their policies provide this benefit to their women employees and it is mandatory in
nature as it is the right of employee and duty to employer.
Figure 2: Maternity paid around the world
(Source: Statistica. com)
Pay
Statutory Maternity pay is paid up to 39 weeks, the individual gets;
 90% of her average weekly earnings (before tax) for the first 6 weeks
 145.18 pounds or 90% of her average weekly earnings (whichever is lower) for the next
33 weeks
Leave
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Statutory Maternity Leave is 52 weeks; it is made up of;
 Ordinary maternity leave – first 26 weeks
 Additional maternity leave – last 26 weeks
2.2 Maternity leave & maternal outcomes
The all accessed literature regarding the maternity leave and benefit gives the various impacts on
job continuity and the work interruption length, wage level and growth, career prospects, labour
market attachment and employability. The evidence for Europe represents that paid maternity
leave entitlement of intermediate duration increases the long lasting employment whereas very
short or very long extensions of benefits can put bit of or no impact on employment. On the other
hand, Strang and Broeks, (2017) show that enacted lengthy maternity leave rights are
controversial and there is no positive effect on female employment & earnings. For example
extended maternity paid leave up to 52 weeks increases the amount of time that is spent at home
versus work, but there is no effect on paternal earnings and participation in the labour market for
short or long time span.
Figure 3: Benefits of maternity
(Source: Author, 2018)
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Most of the European countries enacted maternity leave programmes after the World War II and
these were introduced because there were a concern for health of child and mother, therefore
these programmes enacted as restrictions for employing women in her period of pregnancy
Steurer, (2017). In the late 1960’s, maternity leave policies gradually developed from a
prohibition to a time off task for caring to new born babies and children, with job protection for
partners.
2.3 Maternity pays & leave benefits in IKEA
As Google and Netflix are the organisations which grants its employees all the needed benefits in
full flagged manner so getting inspired or to compete with them IKEA also on the same path and
it is granting four months of paid paternal leave for new mothers and fathers as well Andres et.al
(2016).
 Birth, adoptive and foster moms and fathers are able to claim benefits
 Staff with the experience of one year is eligible to avail three months off
 They are granted full pay for first six weeks and half pay for the remainder
 Employees with three years of experience can avail four months off and they receive full
pay for the first eight weeks and half for the remainder.
 IKEA offers paternal leave also as it supports child care in financial and emotional terms.
2.4 Impact on women labour market outcome
As per Buzzanell et.al (2017) while these maternity policies are expected for increasing leave
taking, their impacts on employee’s subsequent labour market outcomes like employment and
remunerations theoretically ambiguous. Following the birth of the child, an employed woman
has three options; she can continue working without taking leave, she may take leave and return
to her work after or she can quit her job. Maternity leave policies are likely to increase leave
taking but it really affects to two groups of women; those who would be otherwise remained
employed and on the job, and the other are those who would be otherwise quit their jobs
Goodman et.al. (2017). Women who belong to the first group, the leave policies are likely for
increasing time away from the job but it has no effect on their short span employment as they are
remained employed. Women who belong to the second group, the leave policies can enhance
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short run employment as some out of them can opt for staying employed and avail leave instead
of quitting jobs.
2.5 Impact on children
Figure 4: Maternity bill
(Source: Government.uk.in, 2018)
To help the families is the main goal of the policies of maternity. There are several channels
through which children can be impacted as the guarantee of leave decreases the stress during the
pregnancy that is good for child health at the birth time. Leave also increases the time amount
that a mother can spend with her child after child birth as a result mother can provide good
breastfeed care to her child and pamper him when he is sick apart from that it helps in financial
state of the family in monetary terms an in the material things requirement manner. As per
Grimshaw and Rubery, (2015) show that lower the maternity leave policies are the reason for
low morality of children. These kinds of studies and researches give guidance on what must be
the exact time duration of the maternity and parental leave so the new born child can be cared
with best possible way.
2.6 Impact on outcomes of employer
The currently available literature on effects of the maternity policies on the employer is very
limited in nature as some of the information on employer’s experience with PFL programmes
that are financed through the employee payroll contributions. According to Dahl et.al. (2016)
have given their conclusion and recommendations regarding this as the employees are more
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productive and efficient so after the leave she works with more boosted morale that increases
employer’s outcome as production. Apart from that for employer’s side it is observed that the
replacements sometimes can create issues for the employers apart from that the workers who
have done overtime during someone’s maternity and paternity leave.
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3. Research methodology
3.1 Type of research
 In terms of purpose it is an illuminative research
 In terms of goal it is basic research
 In terms of investigation level it is a descriptive research
 In terms of analysis type it is holistic approach
 In terms of scope it is action research
 In terms of choice for answers to problems it is evaluation research
3.2 Data collection
It is very important and basic step for conducting a proper research in appropriate manner. As
data is categorized into two; primary data and secondary data, primary data is collected first time
by the researcher whereas secondary data is already available information Flick, (2015). Primary
data actually very important and significant information source that needs great efforts and time
investment for collection whereas secondary data is also important but it needs less efforts and
time investment as compared to primary data collection.
3.2.1 Collection of primary data;
For understanding the Maternity pay and leave benefit in intensive way it is very important to
have data that is significantly clarifies every aspect related to this policy. So here the primary
data is collected as questionnaire and interviews as well. for the questionnaire the 10 employees
are selected who have the intensive knowledge regarding the maternity policy and the other 50
people who are experienced is selected for interview in general basis to analysis the issues in
better way Lewis, (2015).
3.2.2 Terms that is used in primary data;
 Employee – employee provides his/her services in exchange of remuneration in form of
wages or money.
 Questionnaire – it is a set of questions that are related directly to the research study.
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 Personal interview – it is very deep interview which is unstructured and helps to analyze
emotions, feeling and opinions of participants regarding the particular research study
Silverman, (2016).
3.2.2 Secondary data
 As it is discussed secondary data is the data which is already exists in written form so
here the various sources such as previous research reports, books, online information, the
various reports, legislative notes, company’s website, director’s report, organization’s
yearly reports and its management interview is taken.
3.3 Sampling
Sampling is actually done to make easy approach because it is not possible for any individual as
a researcher to go to every single unit or person or other entity to gather the information so
sampling allows researcher to selecting the people or entities or the units from the population of
interest, because it makes easy to researcher to generalize the result back to the population after
analyzing this result, from which those are chosen. To conduct this descriptive research it needs
small sample size so an organization IKEA is chosen and 10 employees are selected from IKEA
apart from that 50 people as in general are selected to assess the awareness about the topic and its
impacts over the country as whole. Random sampling method is taken for this research purpose.
3.4 Analyzing tools
The various tools are used for analyzing data such as MS word is used for data representation for
more organized way as categorization, graphical presentation and questionnaire preparation. For
the statistical presentation needs use of MS Excel so it is used.
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4. Timescale
Here the time schedule for each and every activity or task is prepared and that is represented
through Gantt chart that is given;
Research proposal activities Start dates Duration of days to complete
Defining topic 22nd of May 2018 13
Defining objectives and
questions of research proposal
31st May 2018 9
Read and analyzing literature 5th June 2018 9
Defining topics of literature
review
15th June 20118 14
Writing literature review 21st June 2018 9
Writing Research
methodology
1st July 2018 5
Checking 8th July 2018 7
Formatting 15th July 2018 12
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1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
22-May 1-Jun 11-Jun 21-Jun 1-Jul 11-Jul 21-Jul 31-Jul
start date
days to complete
task
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5. Limitation
Like any other research here in this research also, there are limitations which makes restrictions
in terms of validity, accuracy, availability, size and some emotional quotient such as biasness
and willingness to participate and fear as well.
1. This research is based on the information which is granted by the IKEA so basically it is
limited in nature because of that proper conclusion is really not possible.
2. Sample based studies provides the part of population and this the other major limitation is
for the research because size is relatively small.
3. Some of the questions are not answered so average is hampered and accuracy of data is
also depends on the secondary resources which are provided by the IKEA.
To overcome these limitations researcher strategies the work in effective manner with all the
efforts for gathering the correct information and tried for ensuring that research study would be
able to match its aim & objectives.
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6. Conclusion and recommendation
It is concluded after this study that Maternity Pay and Leave is really beneficial in every manner
and this policy increases the women employment rate that is very much required for
organizational, individual and country’s growth. Women health, child health are the major
components for consideration and every organization and country needs to take care for these
two and therefore legislations regarding maternity pay and leave must be improvised in timely
manner to provide maximum benefits to the women employee and babies.
This research works for making understanding about the benefits to provide Maternity pay and
leave with the help of IKEA study Fallon et.al. (2017). The answers which are analyzed are very
helpful to understand that strong legislation and restrictions are required to availing this policy in
better way as employers needs to care only for women employee’s health at the time of
pregnancy because for the work replacement can be arranged and the pay can be given which is
not given to the employee on the maternity leave.
Figure 5: Stages of leaves
(Source: paperg.com)
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 Maternity leave structure must be re-examined for exploring transition return to work
earlier in the maternity leave timescale for reducing the stress on child, mother and
impact on companies who have an employee out for up to one year.
 The communication level in organisation must be increased between employer &
employee at the time of maternity leave; it allows both the parties for openly planning
strategies for returning to the work.
 Financial supports such as tax credit must be offered to the parents for reducing the
burden of childcare costs.
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References
Books and Journals
 Andres, E., Baird, S., Bingenheimer, J.B. and Markus, A.R., 2016. Maternity leave access
and health: A systematic narrative review and conceptual framework development.
Maternal and child health journal, 20(6), pp.1178-1192.
 Buzzanell, P.M., Remke, R.V., Meisenbach, R., Liu, M., Bowers, V. and Conn, C., 2017.
Standpoints of maternity leave: Discourses of temporality and ability. Women's Studies in
Communication, 40(1), pp.67-90.
 Dahl, G.B., Løken, K.V., Mogstad, M. and Salvanes, K.V., 2016. What is the case for
paid maternity leave?. Review of Economics and Statistics, 98(4), pp.655-670.
 Fallon, K.M., Mazar, A. and Swiss, L., 2017. The Development Benefits of Maternity
Leave. World Development, 96, pp.102-118.
 Goodman, J.M., Guendelman, S. and Kjerulff, K.H., 2017. Antenatal maternity leave and
childbirth using the first baby study: A propensity score analysis. Women's Health Issues,
27(1), pp.50-59.
 Grimshaw, D. and Rubery, J., 2015. The motherhood pay gap: A review of the issues,
theory and international evidence. Conditions of Work and Employment Series.
 Lewis, S., 2015. Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five
approaches. Health promotion practice, 16(4), pp.473-475.
 Mackey, A. and Gass, S.M., 2015. Second language research: Methodology and design.
Routledge.\
 Rossin-Slater, M., 2017. Maternity and family leave policy (No. w23069). National
Bureau of Economic Research.
 Steurer, L.M., 2017. Maternity Leave Length and Workplace Policies' Impact on the
Sustainment of Breastfeeding: Global Perspectives. Public Health Nursing, 34(3),
pp.286-294.
 Strang, L. and Broeks, M., 2017. Maternity Leave Policies: Trade-Offs Between Labour
Market Demands and Health Benefits for Children. Rand health quarterly, 6(4).
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 Taylor, S.J., Bogdan, R. and DeVault, M., 2015. Introduction to qualitative research
methods: A guidebook and resource. John Wiley & Sons.
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