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Understanding Illinois Lactation Room Standards
Act, employees are guaranteed reasonable break time and a private, non-restroom location to express milk.
This legal framework promotes health, dignity, and equity in the workplace.
At Nessel, our design solutions are crafted to align seamlessly with Illinois standards, making compliance both effortless and respectful.
Sources:
Justia: Illinois Nursing Mothers in the Workplace Act, 820 ILCS 260 §§ 10 & 15
Public Health Task Force overview of Illinois laws.
Illinois Lactation Room Requirements
Provide reasonable break time each time an employee needs to express milk, for up to one year post-birth; this time may run concurrently with other breaks and must not reduce pay.
Offer a private location other than a restroom, close to the work area, for pumping in privacy.
Ensure the break time is paid, not unpaid, as clarified in amendments.
Maintain consistency with the Illinois Human Rights Act, requiring employers to demonstrate "undue hardship" before granting exemptions—this must meet a high threshold.
Nessel’s lactation pods, stations, chairs, and portable sinks are deliberately designed to satisfy each of these requirements, offering flexible, equitable solutions for Illinois workplaces.
Why Illinois Employers Benefit from Compliance
For employees: A private, well-equipped space promotes physical health, eases transition back to work, and reduces stress.
For employers: Thoughtful accommodations reduce turnover, enhance morale, and save on onboarding costs.
For organizational culture: Demonstrating care signals that employee wellness and equity are core values—boosting productivity and loyalty.
By installing compliant lactation rooms, Illinois businesses build more resilient, inclusive environments where everyone succeeds.
Nessel Solutions for Illinois Workplaces
Illinois law sets the requirements; Nessel makes meeting them simple. Our range of solutions includes:
Lactation Pods — Private, soundproof pods (Petite, Standard, Extra) with options for refrigeration and sinks.
Lactation Station — Plug-and-play furniture with an ergonomic chair, sliding desk, integrated outlets, portable sink, and fridge.
Lactation Chair — Purpose-built seating designed for pumping comfort, easy cleaning, and support.
Portable Sink — A plumbing-free sanitation solution that fits seamlessly into lactation or wellness spaces.
Along with products, Nessel provides policy support and consulting, helping Illinois employers stay compliant with confidence. With us, a lactation room is never just about meeting the minimum; it’s about creating a supportive, equitable space for every employee.
Request a quote today!
Let us help you create supportive lactation space
with our ergonomic pumping chair.
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