Returning to workplace after childbirth: Challenges faced by female employees in star-rated hotels, China

The transition phase of women's return to the workplace after childbirth has been a heated topic of concern, especially in China's hospitality industry, where the re-entry path of new mothers is still filled with hardships. This study draws on Schlossberg's transition theory and uses exploratory qualitative interviews to investigate dilemmas faced by female employees in the hospitality industry in China during their transition back to work after childbirth. Findings reveal four primary challenges from psychological, physical, career-related challenges, and lifestyle realignment perspectives. Thus, a Postpartum Women Return-to-Work Quadruple Supporting Framework is innovatively proposed in this study to assist in coping with the existing challenges. The framework aims to assist new mothers in the hospitality industry to be reintegrated into the professional world. This study mirrors the socio-cultural phenomenon of women in the hospitality and tourism industry as well. •Obvious changes become visible in women’s body functions, appearances, and physical functions after childbirth.•Postnatal depression, anxiety, and other types of psychological problems are obstacles for new moms' transition.•Bottlenecks in promotion and workplace-adaption are barriers for women in the hospitality industry to rejoin the workforce.•Trying to find a new lifestyle and balance in life is the direction mothers are seeking.