AREEA members are invited to share views, experiences and challenges in accommodating the requirements of pregnant employees and returning-to-work parents as part of a national review by the Australian Human Rights Commission.

The Supporting Working Parents: Pregnancy and Return to Work National Review will compile feedback from a broad range of stakeholders, including community organisations, men and women in the workforce and business and industry associations.

The Australian Human Rights Commission has now opened the floor to insight from employers, giving AREEA members an opportunity to provide feedback on pregnancy, parental leave and return-to-work provisions within their organisation and help shape the government’s policy agenda.

The study, which has been in operation since 21 October 2013, has drawn more than 120 submissions from individuals, in addition to a series of group consultations held across the country, including one at the AREEA Brisbane office on Monday, 18 November 2013.

“Many employers have been telling us about the challenges they are facing, but also the simple solutions – the vast majority want to do the right thing by their staff,” said Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick.

“However, we realize we are unable to meet everyone face to face and, in order to hear from as many stakeholders as possible, we have opened this employer-directed online submission process so that we are able to hear from as many employers and employer and business associations as possible from across the entire country.”

The online submissions are open to industry peak bodies, and employers are invited to fill out a short, 15-minute questionnaire.

AREEA members are encouraged to participate in this crucial study, which will close in January 2014. Access the survey and more information about the National Review here.