Returning to work is always a challenge for new mothers. Juggling childcare is difficult, and women often sacrifice income and put their careers on hold.
Workplace experts say that while universities are offering working mothers more flexibility, the private sector is generally lagging behind.
However, one telco is introducing a new policy that allows women to work four days a week for five days of pay, for six months. The women are then expected to return to work full time.
Barbara Pocock, an adjunct professor at the University of South Australia's Centre for Work and Life, said companies were starting to get the message about the need to provide greater flexibility to working mothers.
She said the decision by Vodafone to give women the option to work four days for five days of pay was an "interesting innovation".
"Universities have an arrangement that allows women a gradual return to work which allows them flexibility in the way they use their leave," Professor Pocock said.
"It's something we don't see enough of in the private sector."
Marian Baird, Professor of Gender and Employment Relations at the University of Sydney business school, said the Vodafone proposal was "an excellent idea".
"I am sure the company will receive the same work from the women plus additional commitment and loyalty," she said.
"Companies that explicitly recognise the skills and commitment of their female employees on their return to work after maternity leave are doing the right thing - especially in light of the intergenerational report released [this week].
"In that, the emphasis is on attracting more women to the workforce, and that means having to draw on more mothers. We must provide ideal workplaces for parents if we are going to be anywhere near achieving the goal of a 4 per cent participation rate increase by women."
Sofia Parish, from Bronte, works as a website designer for Vodafone and is expecting her first child in late April.
She plans to take the rest of the year off and return to work early next year.
"I was planning to go back to full time, but four days and being home one day a week is a smoother transition," she said. "It will increase flexibility without increasing the financial burden."
On Saturday, Vodafone will announce a range of initiatives to support employees taking paid parental leave.
Chief executive officer Inaki Berroeta said Vodafone was one of the first organisations in the world to introduce a mandatory minimum global maternity policy.
"Returning to work after a period of parental leave can be challenging," Mr Berroeta said.
"We want to help our staff who wish to return to work after the arrival of a child to do so.
"By extending the level of support available to employees both on paid parental leave and on their return to work, we hope parents will be able to better balance their work, family and financial commitments."
Vodafone is also increasing the period of paid parental leave from 14 to 16 weeks for primary caregivers.
Employees facing domestic violence will also have access to up to 10 additional days of paid leave.
"We recognise that the terrible reality of domestic violence can affect an individual's ability to attend work or perform their duties, and it is important employees experiencing assault or abuse know they're being supported by Vodafone," said Mr Berroeta.
"These additional days of leave will give employees the flexibility to attend medical, counselling and legal appointments and make arrangements to ensure their safety."
