When And What To Tell Your Employer About Your Pregnancy

When you do tell your boss, the first thing he or she will want to know is if you plan to continue working full-time.In other words, how will the new addition to your family affect your work status and career plans?If you plan to continue as a full-time employee, do a little research into childcare providers in your area before you speak with your boss; your findings may have an effect on your decision.If you have a long commute, the cost of daycare may be prohibitively high, in which case it makes more sense to work closer to home or to telecommute (if possible).

If you do find that you will need to work closer to home, you still need to formulate a plan before letting your current boss in on your secret.Do you really enjoy your current job and wish to telecommute or work part-time?You'll need to prove to your boss in writing how this will not only benefit you but also benefit the company (or at least not cause the company any loss).Whether you would like to go to a part-time schedule with a cut in pay or remain full-time but telecommute part of the week, put it in writing before you put your offer on the table.

Even if you have your post-pregnancy work plan ready to be discussed, consider waiting until you begin to show before you tell your employer your good news.Why?Even if you feel that your boss would react positively to the news, and even if he or she has children also, your employer may surprise you with a negative reaction.Worse, the atmosphere at your office may become strained or high-pressure as your due date draws near, especially if boss begins to dwell on which projects will be left hanging in the air once you start your maternity leave.

Regardless of how and when your tell your employer about your pregnancy, and whether you decide to continue working after your baby is born, the surest way to keep the peace in the office is to act as normal as possible.Expectant mothers who complain excessively about pregnancy symptoms or repeatedly use those symptoms to lessen their workload will create problems not only with their employer, but with their coworkers as well.Keep in mind that your employer has the right to put you on unpaid leave if you are unable to keep up with your workload due to your pregnancy.

If your pregnancy symptoms really are so severe that you need to begin maternity leave early - such as in a pregnancy that requires bed rest - and your company is large enough, you may be protected by the Family Medical Leave Act.The FMLA allows an employee to take 12 weeks of unpaid leave for pregnancy and childcare during each year that they are employed.Individual states may also have temporary disability insurance that allows you to collect a portion of your salary while pregnant or after the baby's birth.

The bottom line is to do your research before approaching your employer to discuss your pregnancy.Make your career plans, find childcare, research the federal and state laws that provide protection for pregnant women, and be able to anticipate your boss' concerns. Knowing your options and being able to answer your employer's questions about your future plans will reassure him or her, and it might just make for a better working environment for you as you approach your due date.