Pregnancy in the Navy: Impact on Absenteeism, Attrition, and Workgroup Morale.
Abstract
Because of objections to the optional discharge and leave provisions of the Navy's present pregnancy policy, a study was conducted to determine the impact of pregnancy on Navy absenteeism, attrition, and workgroup productivity and morale. Data were obtained by analyzing administrative records for and conducting a survey of a previously identified longitudinal sample and by interviewing an aviation squadron sample. Results showed that abolishment of the present discharge option would increase the number of days lost by women, lower women's attrition rates, and increase the impact of pregnancy on workgroup productivity and morale. Further, if mandatory discharge for pregnancy were reinstated, it would decrease female absenteeism, increase female attrition, and increase workgroup turnover. Finally, if the policy's leave provisions were changed, it could reduce workgroup efficiency, while not improving morale of male Navy members, since interview results showed that most were not aware of them. It was recommended that the present pregnancy policy be retained in its entirety, that Navy members of all ranks be made aware of the policy's leave provisions, and that present findings, which contradict many assumptions held about pregnancy's impact on the Navy, be widely disseminated. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA061321
Entities
People
- Marsha S. Olson
- Susan S. Stumpf
Organizations
- Bureau of Naval Personnel