Breastfeeding at work: the business case for supportive policies

5 August 2025

Breastfeeding is a personal choice, and not one that all mothers can or choose to make. But at ESGmark®, we believe it’s essential that workplaces have strong policies and meaningful support systems for those who do.

This year’s theme for World Breastfeeding Week, which takes place during the first week of August, is “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Creating Sustainable Support Systems” which highlights the need to provide support so that every breastfeeding parent can thrive both at work and beyond.

Why breastfeeding support matters for your ESG goals

Breastfeeding support is a powerful social responsibility as it shows a genuine commitment to employee wellbeing, gender equality, and inclusion; core pillars of any strong ESG approach. While supporting breastfeeding mothers reduces health risks for both mother and baby, lowers healthcare costs, and fosters resilient communities, for businesses, it boosts retention, morale, and overall productivity. Breastfeeding also aligns with environmental sustainability as it not only reduces the waste and carbon emissions associated with formula production, packaging, and transportation, but promotes sustainable nutrition.

Governance and compliance: more than ticking boxes

With very few legal requirements around supporting breastfeeding mothers in the workplace, UK law only requires employers to provide reasonable breaks and facilities for breastfeeding or expressing milk - this is an area in which employers have a real opportunity to distinguish themselves in terms of inclusivity and positive workplace policies. 

Going beyond compliance allows businesses to lead by example. Demonstrating accountability and ethical governance by actively supporting breastfeeding helps build trust with employees, customers, and investors alike.

Our members are already embedding breastfeeding support within their ESG frameworks. From creating private lactation rooms to offering flexible hours and educational resources, they’re proving that family-friendly policies are key to long-term sustainability.

Why family-friendly policies strengthen your ESG performance

Supporting breastfeeding is a win for social responsibility and governance. Not only does it signal to investors and stakeholders that your business values people and operates ethically, boosting employee satisfaction and diversity, but consumers are more loyal to brands that genuinely care for their workforce and communities.

To embed breastfeeding support into your ESG objectives, start by providing private, hygienic spaces and offering flexible scheduling or remote work options. Train managers on inclusive communication and policies, and ensure you track and report family-friendly initiatives as part of your ESG disclosures.

Take action with ESGmark®

This World Breastfeeding Week, commit to a workplace that values and supports breastfeeding mothers; because strong ESG starts with supporting the whole person. If breastfeeding support isn’t yet part of your ESG agenda, ESGmark® can provide practical toolkits and expert guidance to help you create policies that support your people and advance your sustainability goals. Our Breastfeeding in the Workplace Policy Guide, part of our exclusive Members Library, covers legal requirements, best business practice, creating a clear and well-communicated policy, as well as considerations for other employees. Not yet a member? You can preview the guide here.

If you need further help putting your Workplace Breastfeeding Policy together or want to become a ESGmark® Community member and gain full access to all our policy guides and templates, alongside other exclusive benefits, please contact the ESGmark® team at kayla.ellis@esgmark.co.uk or request more information here.

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