Maternity Leaves and Their Effects on Career and Career Development

This thesis studies the diverse maternity leave systems comparing Finland to the U.S. More specifically this thesis showcases the effects that maternity leaves have on women’s careers and career development. This thesis study was conducted for the commissioning organization called Mothers in Business MiB ry. The research methods of this thesis include a survey and field-based research. The preliminary data of the study is based on qualitative analysis of a survey offered to the members of Mothers in Business Ry. The secondary data is based on qualitative analysis of appropriate secondary sources. This thesis topic is relevant to the people who study or are part of women’s careers and career development especially in the field of business. Academically, from the perspective of Human Resource Management this thesis covers matters such as how to attract, retain and motivate talented mothers. The second chapter includes theories and models about women in workplaces and the effects they have on careers and career development from transitioning to motherhood. The various long-lasting effects are proven to begin from the announcement of women’s pregnancies. As the result of the countries’ maternity leave systems, mothers have somewhat different concerns regarding their careers and career development. The unfortunate fact in the U.S is that paid maternity leaves are not covered inclusively by the law, contrary to Finland. Despite the U.S being one of the most developed country in the world it lacks a mother’s basic right to spend time with her newborn and take time to recover in terms of health, before returning to work. Finnish mothers’ concerns often link to the so-called gaps in their CV. Since the Finnish mothers benefit of financial security during their maternity leaves, they use the time of maternity leave to reach their personal and professional goals. American mothers with the right to maternity leave are more concerned of their financial and health situations.On the request of the commissioning organization I have written an article titled Työpaikan perheystävällisyys ja joustot edesauttavat äitien töihinpaluuta which was published in Mothers in Business ry’s official homepage on 13th March 2019. The writing can be found in Appendix 2 of the thesis