Mixed Messages: Co-Worker Responses to the Pregnant Employee

American organizations have been actively implementing work and family programs to meet employees' family demands. However, few comprehensive efforts to include the specific needs of pregnant employees into work and family programs have been taken. According to women who are or have been pregnant while employed, organizations must provide greater understanding and flexibility to pregnant employees. Women report mixed messages received from both co-workers and company policies. Based on the reports of pregnant women, recommendations are given which will guide co-workers on maintaining appropriate interactions with pregnant peers and help companies to better incorporate the concerns of pregnant employees into work and family initiatives.