Based on this practical need, the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences has implemented the "Au Co Room" model, contributing to creating conditions for female staff to have stable work and living conditions.
The formation of the "Au Co Room" stemmed from very specific observations in daily work life. Previously, many female employees, upon returning to work, had to find their own ways to express and store breast milk, as the office lacked a suitable space. Some would rush home during breaks, others would find makeshift corners in the office, which were both inconvenient and difficult to maintain hygiene. These interruptions occurred repeatedly throughout the day, directly affecting work rhythm and morale.
Based on that reality, Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong Hanh, Deputy Director of the Institute of Social Sciences Information, said that the process of forming the model was linked to the Institute's leadership proactively listening to the opinions of female staff, especially those who had just returned to work after giving birth. According to her, specific feedback on daily life, from the lack of private space to difficulties in maintaining a work rhythm, was recorded to adjust working conditions accordingly.
According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong Hanh, in a scientific research environment where work demands continuous concentration, even small interruptions, if prolonged, can significantly affect the quality of work. Therefore, providing a suitable space not only supports daily life but also helps female staff maintain a more stable work rhythm. From this perspective, the leadership of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences has allocated a separate space in Room 701, Building B, No. 1 Lieu Giai ( Hanoi ). This space is designed with full functionality, including a bed, a refrigerator for storing milk, a personal locker, and a table and chairs. Privacy and cleanliness are prioritized, allowing users to proactively manage their time without affecting the overall work.
From an organizational perspective, creating such a space is not about adding amenities, but about adjusting working conditions to better suit the reality of the workers. When essential needs are met, employees can work with peace of mind, minimizing disruptions and maintaining work efficiency. The name "Au Co" was chosen to evoke the image of a mother in national culture, while also expressing respect for the role of motherhood in modern life. This naming approach also shows a close, real-life approach, rather than formal concepts.
In the current context, the model of a breast milk pumping and storage room has begun to appear in some businesses, but it is still rarely implemented in the administrative and public service sector. The fact that the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences is proactively developing this model shows a flexible approach, linking policy with practical needs.
From the perspective of a direct user, Ms. Tran Thi Khanh Huyen, an employee of the General Administration Department (Institute of Social Sciences Information), said that the initial period of returning to work after giving birth was a very stressful time. Balancing work responsibilities with finding a suitable space to express and store breast milk often disrupted her workflow. "There were times when I had to stop working midway because I couldn't manage my time and space effectively. This happened repeatedly, making it difficult to maintain the same level of concentration as before," Ms. Tran Thi Khanh Huyen shared.
Since the "Au Co Room" was put into use, she has been able to be more proactive in her daily life. The private, clean space makes expressing and storing breast milk more convenient, and no longer significantly impacts her work time. According to Ms. Huyen, the most noticeable change is her work mindset. Without having to juggle non-professional tasks, she can focus more on her work. She feels more at ease going to work, no longer distracted as before.
Based on her experience, Ms. Tran Thi Khanh Huyen believes that this model is not too complicated to implement, but it yields clear results. If more organizations adopt it, women will have more favorable conditions to maintain their jobs after childbirth.
From a very specific need, the formation of the "Au Co Room" demonstrates a flexible and effective approach, where small issues in daily life are correctly identified and addressed promptly. This approach can also be studied and replicated in other agencies and units, contributing to creating a more suitable working environment for employees in the current context.
Source: https://baotintuc.vn/xa-hoi/mo-hinh-cham-care-can-bo-nu-tu-nhu-cau-thuc-te-20260429105610879.htm
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