ajcjobs > BlogBreak > Archives > 2008 > February > 11
Monday, February 11, 2008
When do you tell your boss you’re expecting?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
So, you’ve just found out you’re expecting. Chances are you’re excited about this new chapter in your life, but just as the big news is sinking in, it hits you: “What am I going to do about work?” It’s the eternal working woman’s dilemma. How does your job factor into your pregnancy?
For some, the decision has already been made. They must continue to work or they want to continue to work. Others have already decided that they will accept the loss of one income and will plan accordingly.
The decision to work or not work following the birth of a child is a supremely independent decision that can only be made by the expectant parents. Your circumstances are unique and you are the most qualified to decide whether or not you will stay in the workforce, regardless of what someone else may think about your decision
Either way, at some point you’ll have to tell your employer what’s going on. How soon you decide to tell is also a personal decision for which there is no right or wrong answer.
The first thing you may want to do is contact your Employee Benefits office to make sure that you’re health insurance is all set and to ask any questions you may have about maternity leave policies. Obviously, you have more anonymity if you’re working for a larger organization than if you work for a small company. But remember, your HR staff should be trained to respect your privacy, regardless of how small your company may be.
Many women will choose to keep the news quiet during their first trimester, once the danger of a miscarriage has passed. Others consider their co-workers their friends and are more willing to share the news sooner. Still others, may continue to hide their pregnancy well into their second trimester, to avoid being passed over for promotional opportunities or important projects.
As with any other development that might affect your job, it’s a good idea to share the news with your direct supervisor prior to sharing it with other co-workers. Even though you may feel that this is the right thing to do, if you’re not especially close to your supervisor, this may not be your first choice. So, how do you decide?
It may help to think about how it would be perceived if your uninformed boss overhears two co-workers planning an office baby shower for you. If your boss would be upset about being kept in the dark, telling him or her first may be the right decision.
In the end, there’s no one-size fits all approach. You must make the best decision you can given the information you have at the time. Getting advice from others who’ve had to make this decision can also be helpful.
How and when did you share the news with co-workers that you were expecting?
