Human Resource Services
Breastfeeding in the Workplace
The U.S. Department of Health recognizes the importance of breastfeeding infants. In fact, they support and promote the practice of breastfeeding as being healthy for both the child and the mother.
The University of Florida, as one of the leading universities in the country that promotes work/life balance for all its employees, is initiating a new policy to support and encourage breastfeeding upon return to work. Therefore, departmental administrators are encouraged to make appropriate accommodations to allow employees who have made this healthy choice to breastfeed their infants the flexibility and privacy to perform activities such as pumping breast milk.
Upon returning to work after the birth of a child, nursing mothers may request an area to pump breast milk in the workplace during normal business hours. Since this activity requires a private location and short periods away from their duties, supervisors should make every effort to support their employee’s request. Supervisors are encouraged to allow these employees the ability to flex their schedules during this transition.
Employees who need assistance are encouraged to make appropriate arrangements with their supervisor to ensure that normal business activities are not severely disrupted and their assigned tasks are completed as expected.
Please note that this policy does not extend to permitting infants in the work place.
For further assistance, contact Employee Relations at (352) 392-1072 or emprel@ufl.edu.