3 Things My Employer Got Right About Maternity Leave
I told my boss that I was pregnant while we stood in line for coffee at a Starbucks. We had just finished a successful client pitch meeting and we were discussing the potential future growth of his agency. I was ten weeks pregnant, and contemplating the very certain growth of my household. I was excited, and the announcement just sort of came out. I knew he would be happy for me personally, as we’d known each other for years and he knew that I wanted a child. But still, I was nervous. It was February, and I’d only started my position at the beginning of January. Besides that, I had no guarantee of any time off or even that my position would still be available if I took maternity leave. The company had less than 50 employees, so FMLA laws did not apply. Here’s the first thing my boss did right. He congratulated me sincerely...and then set up a meeting to discuss a maternity leave plan. That sincerity shouldn't be underestimated. Before, during and after my maternity leave...