XP: Talking to boss about maternity leave? Advice needed!

ShoeFanatic614

I just posted this on 1st tri but thought you ladies might be able to offer some insight as well. 

So here's the scenario.  I work for a very small company, 6 people total, I am the only female and have been here for 2 years (FMLA won't apply here).  We have a pretty laid back and flexible work environment.

I would really like to talk to my boss sooner rather than later about my maternity leave.  I am hoping they will still pay me at least a percentage of my salary while I am out, but if they aren't willing to do that then MH and I need to start preparing to replace my income.

Here's my question:  Should I prepare some type of proposal in advance (and if so, where do I start)?  Or since we do have a pretty laid back atmosphere, should I just let him know I'd like to talk about it and see how it goes?

TIA!

yellowcar

Congratulations!  Now's the hard part--talking to work

 The first thing I would do, if I trusted anyone there enough would be to see if there is any precedent at this company--has anyone ever had medical leave before?  If yes, then you probably can expect close to the same treatment and there's not a lot you can do about it.  If no, then expect to have to hold their hands through the process because bosses can be really dumb about benefits some times, even in large companies (I've been through this twice!).

Probably the only way you will get paid during your leave is if you use earned time off (sick leave, vacation time). True paid maternity leave (not using any STD insurance, sick pay or vacation pay) is extremely rare.  I don't know if I would go in with a worked up proposal, but instead just go in confidently, tell boss you are PG and ask to review any benefits relating to leaves.  Fight the urge to apologize for anything (you've done nothing wrong) or to promise that you won't let it affect your work (this will only put the idea in their heads that I very well WILL affect your work).  Just state the facts, assure them that you will work to make any transition seamless, and that you intend to return after your leave.

Good luck and keep us posted on how it goes!

Sam78

I would absolutely go in with a proposal.  Even if it is not written, an oral presentation is really going to help you here since everyone is so laid back (i.e., "oh, did you hear?" "yeah, wow, sounds like she's going to take X weeks and then work from home"). By presentation, I don't mean you dictating to them, but instead knowing what you would like to happen so you can lay it out clearly and concisely.

My leave with the federal government was the time I had saved in sick and vacation time, the rest was unpaid. As yellow said, I think that's pretty standard.

jen5-03

Agree with the pp's... unless your company is very progressive and very generous, getting paid for maternity leave by your company is almost unheard of.

In fact, "maternity leave" doesn't really exist in most companies. You go out on vacation time and short term disability (that's what pays roughly 60-70% of your salary, an insurance policy, not the company).

In your situation, my worry would be that without FMLA, they are not required to hold your job for you. I don't know if there's a requirement to hold it while you're on STD (which is typically 6 weeks for a vaginal birth and 8 weeks for a c/s), but there's certainly nothing to force them to keep you employed after that point.

auburnbride2be

I was in the same situation, but had been with my company a little over 3 years when I got pregnant. They didn't pay any of my leave at all. Very disappointing. I would prepare a proposal and go in to see how it goes. Just be prepared for anything. I hope you do work something out.

ShoeFanatic614

Thank you all so much for your thoughts on this!  It was all very helpful and exactly what I was looking for.

I know that it is a long shot they will pay me anything while I am gone but I'm still going to ask and just be prepared for them to tell me no.  They really are good people so I'm not worried about them not holding my job for me.  I've made it very clear that I'm coming back to work.  They have known that I am pg since 5 weeks and have been very supportive.  I guess I'm just nervous b/c this is all new to me and to them so I'm not sure how it's going to work out.

Thanks again!