A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND BEHAVIOURAL FACTORS AFFECTING MOTHERS AT WORKPLACE IN AN URBAN SOCIETY

Background: - Females having a multitasking personality not only performing their domestic activities brilliantly but also playing a crucial part in the growth of the financial system by being the significant employed force. From President to the C.E.O of the multinational company, women are performing their duties in the best possible way. Pakistani women face many problems at workplace in addition to cultural and social obstacles that hinder them from participating in the labor market. The basic objective of this study is to highlight the environmental (workplace) and behavioural factors faced by women during their pregnancy at work place and how to reduce them to ensure the best possible outcome from one of the essential component of our society. Methodology: - A qualitative study design. FGDs with the workingwomen. Result: - In our research, environmental including workplace factors identified for workingwomen in small organizations are: -Non-availability of company transportation, Non-availability of Day care centres for their babies, Limited availability of paid sick leaves, No flexi hours, No medical facility, No paid maternity leaves policy. The research also implies that pregnancy discrimination at both small and large organizations is a reality and faced by almost all the women. Conclusion: - Working women, suffer from health related issues. Stress levels, both physical and mental, are extreme. Key words: FGDs, Working women, Employment factors