So You’re Pregnant...What To Consider Before Telling Your Boss

Once you’ve decided when to share the news about your pregnancy with your boss, there are steps you can take to ensure it is well received.

Now is the time to start reflecting on how long a maternity break you would like to take and your initial ideas on the handover of your role.

Before you sit down with your manager, here are some things to consider that may help you have a more productive discussion...

Research your company’s leave policies

Learn everything you can about your employer’s maternity leave policies. Some offer paid leave, some offer unpaid leave, and others allow sick days or vacation days to be put towards family leave. Read your employee handbook and consider setting up a confidential meeting with someone in HR.

Know your employment rights

Familiarise yourself with your local employment laws so you know what you’re entitled to. Most countries have public websites hosting this information and a simple Google search will offer a wealth of resources that point to what you need.

Figure out if you need to delegate your responsibilities

If you work in an intensely stressful or physically demanding job, plan to make arrangements to adjust your work responsibilities until you’re ready to deliver. Can you swap some tasks with one of your coworkers or delegate work to those who report to you as an opportunity for them to develop their skills?

Have ideas and solutions ready for your maternity cover

Consider how you anticipate your job will get done while you are on leave. Since your boss’s first reaction may be to panic about the work load rather than congratulate you, it’s wise to arm yourself with a list of ideas and solutions for how your job can be managed in your absence.

Think realistically about if/when you’ll come back

Consider what you can afford when it comes to taking time off. Can you and your partner get by on one salary for a while if you decide to extend your leave, or is your income crucial to keeping your household? Think about other logistical or emotional factors that might inform your decision, such as challenging childcare options or the notion of leaving your new baby in someone else’s arms. Look into potential childcare options then come up with a plan for if and when you’ll come back to the office. However also be prepared for these plans to change once your baby has arrived!

We want to help you feel ready and prepared to tell your boss you are expecting, and to also feel positive and confident in managing ongoing communications throughout your pregnancy. Our FREE E-Course ‘The Courage Formula’ will let you navigate work with cool, calm and ease during your pregnancy. For access, click here.