Email to HR re: Pumping (XP on WM)

QueenofAnything · January 2012

Background: I work at a relatively small company (less than 100 employees at this office, less than 150 employees total). Most of the employees are very young (average age is around 28) and the majority of the employees are male. Basically, the company has yet to really encounter this issue. I'm only the second pregnant woman at the office EVER and the woman before me did nto come back after having her baby. I'm 99% we do not have any sort of policy for pumping at work. I work in a cubicle with short (4 ft) walls, our break room is a large kitchen that constantly has people coming in and out and no locks.

So I'm writing an email to HR to basically be like "yo, do we have a place for me to pump? I don't think so, so you need to get on that." I don't think I'm going to get pushback or anything; the company is pretty awesome, it's just a really awkward email to write. This is what I have. Any edits, suggestions, completely different approaches?

Hi HR person,

I was wondering what the company?s policy regarding the expression of breast milk (pumping) at work. I know that I?m required to give advance notice of my intention to take advantage of unpaid break time and a private place to pump, so I figured if I let you know now, I?d be giving plenty of time to make any necessary arrangements if need be.

Thanks,

QoA

TIA for any help!

BeetleLinz1125 · January 2012

Honestly, I think its best to tell them you need a place, not just ask their policy on BFing. So maybe something like this:

HR Person,

I am expecting a baby in ___ and plan to return ___. I will be nursing, which will also require that I pump when I am at work. I would like to ensure that I have a place to pump while I am away from my baby before I go on leave. I am not aware of a space that is currently used for that purpose, what would be the best solution?

Basically, don't give them a chance to say that you can't or that there isn't room. I feel like you are more asking their permission to pump at work, rather than stating your intentions. I wouldn't go into unpaid time/breaks at this point...first work on a place. I feel that most HR rep's should know that you need a time/place to pump....Chances are they will respond with a place and also send you their policy on the breaks and such.

QueenofAnything · January 2012

Thanks for your opinions! I was torn between nicely asking and being more up front with the regulations. And I'm seeing in both places that I should lean towards the latter. Thanks!

beachbunni307 · January 2012

I would take the "nice" route myself rather than making a demand...but you know your company better than I do. I think your email sounds good, but I would leave out the part about unpaid break time (they might just let you take it paid...you never know). Also, just so you know, the law allows an employer to require you to drape off your cubicle and do it there if they don't have any private rooms that are not bathrooms available. I think most companies wouldn't do that...but regardless, that is what the law says.

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Email to HR re: Pumping (XP on WM)

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