Lactation rooms in 2025
On March 8, International Women’s Day, it was not only important to celebrate the achievements of women, but also to reflect on the daily challenges of working mothers. Recent research from the Netherlands Nutrition Centre shows that employers are often insufficiently aware of the rules for breastfeeding and pumping during working hours, underscoring the need for improvements in the workplace.
Win-win situation: the productivity benefits for employers in setting up a lactation room
In addition to the undeniable benefits for working mothers, providing a well-equipped lactation room also brings considerable advantages for employers. The fact that mothers are allowed to use up to 25% of their working time to pump, without reimbursement from the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV), can lead to time inefficiencies for both employees and employers. By setting up a lactation room, an employer enables young mothers to work more efficiently, as they spend less time away from the office or having to set up a space to pump. This not only contributes to a pleasant work experience for mothers, but also promotes overall productivity in the workplace. Investing in a lactation room also demonstrates the employer’s commitment and care for the well-being of their employees, which can contribute to a positive work culture and the retention of talent within the company.
Background: lack of awareness and adequate facilities
A survey among more than 800 managers and HR decision-makers shows that 63 percent are aware of the obligation to provide a lactation room. However, only 9 percent are fully familiar with the laws and regulations.
Remarkably, one in five respondents would rather not see employees breastfeed or pump during working hours, despite this being a legal right since 1919. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre emphasizes that employers are legally obliged to ensure that women can pump comfortably and hygienically, but this obligation is still too often neglected.
Innovation in lactation rooms
At Entrance Meetingboxen, we understand the challenges working mothers face. Service office Welkoop in Apeldoorn has entrusted us to install an adapted Entrance meeting box as a lactation room. This space is not only a response to the growing need for suitable facilities, but also a conscious step to meet all legal requirements and more. Pumping women are very satisfied with this initiative by Welkoop. Many other employers should take this as an example!
Our lactation room is equipped with a comfortable chair, a kitchenette with a sink and faucet, a refrigerator, insulation, privacy glass, a CO2-controlled ventilation system, and as the cherry on top, a lockable automatic sliding door with contactless operation. We understand that a lactation room is more than a mandatory space; it is a place where mothers should feel comfortable, can relax, and where hygiene and privacy are guaranteed. Multiple colour combinations are possible, and the use of PET felt and insulation create a pleasant acoustics, resulting in a spacious feel. That’s why we’ve named our lactation room, just like our other meeting boxes, after a planet. The name of our lactation room from now on is “Earth“.
Feel at home
At Entrance Meetingboxen, we go beyond just meeting the minimum legal requirements. Every mother deserves a workplace where her needs and rights are recognized and respected.
Entrance Meetingboxen not only brings the joy back to your meetings; it creates an environment where pumping is not a stressful rush, but a relaxed and carefree experience.
Would you like more information? Feel free to contact us. We will be happy to assist you.
