New parents often opt for maternity or paternity leave after the baby is born, but you may be surprised to learn that most companies don’t offer paid leave -- and don’t have to. Make sure you know your rights and learn what to expect before you give birth.
Step 1: Know your legal rights
Know your rights. If you have worked for your company for one year, have worked at least 1,250 hours during the previous year, and the firm has at least 50 employees, federal law entitles you to 12 weeks of unpaid leave. A few states offer paid leave, so check your local laws.
Step 2: Know your company’s policy
Know your company’s policy. Some firms -- especially large ones -- offer paid maternity leave packages.
Step 3: Decide what you want
Know what you want before approaching your boss. Do you plan to take a few weeks, or a few months? Do you want to return to the same job, or request a new position that offers more flexibility? Can you use your vacation days so that part of the leave is paid?
Step 4: Have a plan
Before speaking to your employer, formulate a plan that works for both you and the company. Be ready with solutions as to how your responsibilities will be covered while you’re gone. Flesh out as many details and options as possible.
Step 5: Inform the company in a timely manner
Inform the company in a timely manner. The news is apt to be better received if you tell them before they’ve guessed it.
Tip
Emphasize the company’s needs, not yours, when you’re explaining your maternity leave plan.
Step 6: Leave on a good note
If you change your mind about returning to work after your maternity leave, offer to go in for a few weeks to tie up loose ends so you leave the company on a good note.
Did You Know?
The United States and Australia are the only countries in the industrialized world that don’t require employers to offer paid maternity leave.
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