Assessing the impact of a potential six months maternity leave on the labor productivity of employed mothers in Uganda. A case study of Makerere University Teaching Staff

Abstract

Whereas a six months’ maternity leave hasn’t been largely considered in the Ugandan labor market yet, it is fair to say that it is an imminent course of action considering the rising awareness and activism towards labor rights. The objective of this study is to determine the hypothetical influence that extended maternity leave would have on the average labor productivity of employed mothers in Uganda. Specifically, it investigates whether certain variables of maternity leave such as infant health and labor force participation rates have a significant relationship with average labor productivity of employed mothers. To test the hypothesis that extended maternity leave wouldn’t affect average labor productivity of the mothers; a survey was carried out amongst the female teaching staff of Makerere University. The target respondents were females that reported having ever given birth at least once during their tenure of formal employment. Using simple random sampling, a questionnaire was administered and responses captured. Analysis of data obtained was done using a one-sample t-test and basing on the results, the researcher rejected the hypothesis statement. It was found out that up to 54% of the respondents rooted for a six months paid leave. They asserted that it would largely make them better and more productive employees. According to these mothers, six months would be time enough for physical and mental rejuvenation after the nine long months of child birth. Further, they said, it would be an opportunity to pursue an online course, an initiative that would certainly improve their productive capacity at the job. Conclusively, therefore, the idea of maternity leave, its payment and potential extension duly deserve consideration if employers truly seek to improve the labor productivity of their employees.