Beyond Maternity Leave: Workplace Accommodation for Pregnant Employees in Sri Lanka: Bridging the Gap between Labor Law and ILO Standards
This study investigated workplace accommodation needs and experiences of pregnant employees in Sri Lankan formal-sector organizations and examined gaps between national maternity protection provisions and ILO standards.
A mixed-methods design was employed, comprising a cross-sectional survey of 144 pregnant employees, semi-structured interviews with 34 pregnant employees, 14 HR practitioners and 4 occupational health officers, and documentary analysis against ILO Convention No. 183 and Recommendation No. 191.
Fatigue (91%) and workload difficulties (94%) were widespread, while 81% requested or received workplace adjustments. Informal accommodation was inconsistent and largely supervisor-dependent, with concerns about career consequences and performance evaluations.
The study highlights a substantive gap between childbirth-focused maternity protection and broader pregnancy-related workplace health protection.
Formal accommodation policies, supervisor training, risk assessments, workload adjustments and clearer reassignment procedures are recommended.