CINCINNATI -- Charnella Grossman has a lot to handle as vice president of portfolio management at Fifth Third Bank, and as the mother of a 1-year-old with another child on the way.
"Some people have support at home, some people don't," Grossman said. "And, I think just juggling all of the demands of a new mom can be overwhelming.
That's why she and other Fifth Third moms are taking advantage of an innovative company benefit: a maternity concierge. The company contracts with the corporate concierge service Best Upon Request to provide the program to pregnant moms in 10 states.
"It's critical to support women in pregnancy during their leave, and when they return," Fifth Third chief HR officer Bob Shaffer said.
The maternity conceirge is staffed by two. They can plan everthing from parties to playtime.
"You want to look for child care? We ask them to just give us a list of certain names and locations, and we call the rest," Jessica Hanson said.
Nothing is off limits, from a whimsical-themed forest party to checking out flooring prices. Fifth Third believes offering this perk helps both retain and recruit mothers who may be contemplating leaving the workforce.
"This does give us an edge, I believe," Shaffer said. "It's also the right thing to do."
Beginning Aug. 1, Fifth Third will also begin offering four weeks of paid paternity leave to fathers, adoptive parents and foster parents.
