'I'm pregnant.....'
Let's be honest, from an employer's point of view it's not always going to be the best news you have had that day.
12 months off, perhaps a wish to return to work part-time, the need to arrange cover, administration hassle... It's not a surprise that the first reaction of 'Congratulations, that's great' might be slightly forced.
But the fact is that pregnancy and maternity leave is a part of working life. And the employers who take it in their stride will fare much better than those that don't.
The following tips just might make pregnancy, maternity leave and the hoped for return work to everyone's advantage:
Think about the workplace. You have to do an individual risk assessment to identify any potential hazards and take steps to reduce or remove risks. Make it a joint exercise and anticipate together what adjustments might be needed. Mostly it will be simple things like ensuring proper breaks and some better work planning. And keep the assessment under review - circumstances will change as the pregnancy progresses.
Work together. Sharing ideas on cover, workload and prioritisation is likely to produce the best short-term and long-term results.
Be supportive. You have to give paid time off for antenatal appointments and for parent-craft or relaxation classes if recommended by a midwife or GP. So do it with a smile and some encouragement.
Use the keeping in touch days. New mothers can agree to do up to 10 days work during maternity leave. Make sure you use them.
Think 'can do', not 'can't' when it comes to requests to return to work part-time or flexibly. It is the way of the future. If you can't provide the solutions your staff want, others will. Being rigid closes doors and loses talent.
Think long term. Don't let pregnancy cloud managerial decisions about recruitment, pay reviews, training, career development or promotion. Think rather of pregnancy and maternity leave as just a small part of a longer working partnership. Work together well on this and the future should be bright.
For more information about the rules and regulations applying to maternity, paternity, parental, and adoption leave and time off for family responsibilities, contact Jenny on 01494 451681.
March/April 2007
