All Posts tagged Coworkers

Having a baby is a source of great joy for many families, single parents not excluded; it is also a big change, especially if you are an employed parent who will need accommodations to prepare for the arrival of their child. Talking to your boss or coworkers about it can be a sensitive topic, and many people may feel awkward having this conversation. First things first, it is important to know your federal rights: 

• The Family and Medical Leave Act was established in 1993 to provide family and temporary medical leave under circumstances that include the birth and care of a newborn child and the placement of a child for foster care or adoption with an employee. 
• Though you will need to check with your employer and meet certain provisions, the FMLA in general provides employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year. During this time, your job is protected and your health benefits should remain active. 
• Upon returning to work, you also have the right to request reasonable accommodations for nursing, and other needs you may have as a new mother; the Fair Labor Standards Act protects employees from discrimination or retaliation when they assert their rights in the workspace. 

With that in mind, you know you have specific laws on your side! What happens when it comes to private businesses or a work environment you’re not quite sure about? Here are some tips on how to approach your supervisors in a comfortable manner:

• Research your company’s policies on parental leave and rights; if you know you want to start a family before you start working at a specific place, that’s something you can look into early on. Knowledge is power, so you should be informed about HR processes at your workplace. 
• Choose who to talk to first; if there is a chain of command, but you don’t feel comfortable approaching a certain person on it, that’s an issue HR can help you with. If you can choose who to talk to and you feel comfortable with that person, set up a meeting with them first. 
• It never hurts to follow the buddy system, so consider asking a coworker you trust to be present with you in any conversations regarding parental leave and rights. Two sets of eyes and ears are better than one!   

It is undeniable that you will need accommodations in the workplace during your pregnancy, before the parental leave kicks in, and that you will continue to need accommodations after you welcome your new family member. 

Accommodations change throughout the duration of your pregnancy, and they differ from person to person. It is very likely that you will need different accommodations throughout your pregnancy, and of course depending on the nature of your job. Some common pregnancy accommodations may include: 

• Extra breaks for restroom use, snacks, water, and rest 
• Changes to job duties or location  to avoid physical harm and/or fatigue 
• Schedule changes and excusal from tardiness policies, as well as time for prenatal appointments 

No matter the regulations or laws, it is important to remember that your health and the health of your baby and family come first; though you should feel supported by your workplace, it never hurts to know your rights and advocate for what you need.