ajcjobs > BlogBreak > Archives > 2008 > February > 11 > Entry
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?
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By aaa
February 11, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
I told everyone in December. I would say to announce like I did, in your 2nd trimester. Its safer that way.
By sarin
February 11, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
The EPD will have air quality testing results later today for this morning’s fire that blackened the sky. What would happen if it were a terrorist attack? What are they going to do at this point if the smoke was toxic?
By Erica
February 11, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
I would say to tell somewhere in your 2nd trimester, to give your manager time to consider how to handle your absence (i.e. workload )during your maternity leave. I personally waited until I was about 4.5 months (and luckily wasn’t showing) to tell my managers that I was pregnant. I had also had time to think through what would happen with my workload in terms of time off for maternity leave and was able to present a plan that worked well for me and my employer for that time period. I did not tell my coworker friends about my pregnancy (they guessed) until I told my managers, so that there would be no issue of my manager finding out from a source other than me. It all worked out well in the end.
By be responsible
February 11, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
Just don’t do the scummy thing and resign just after you come back from employer-paid maternity leave because you decide you want to stay home with the cute little baby. I’ve had two former bosses do that. Sorry, I am a woman but I still think many woman want to have their cake and eat it too. That’s just not nice. Think about it from the employer’s perspective.
By i have integrity
February 11, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
Hi,
Be Responsible: I do agree, that is a crummy thing to do. However, there is a flip side: many employees do have integrity and principles. I wish employers would understand that. I told my employer I fully intended, baring something serious with the health of my child, to return to work. While I was gone, they made all kinds of nice little changes that would ensure that I would feel unwelcomed when I returned. And the week they did everything, they called and asked me if I planned to come back. I was put off with the call, as it was two weeks before my planned return. My attitude was, don’t you think I would have told you by now if I weren’t coming back? I am still working here, but I am actively looking for a job where management doesn’t just assume you are a dishonest jerk. If there were more trust and RESPECT among employees and employers, things would be a lot better in corporate America.
By Lisa
February 11, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
When i’m showing and can no longer deny it…then I would tell. I hate my boss.
By jmc
February 11, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
I have integrity - you are so right!! CR Bard is not the place to work if you don’t want this exact same thing to happen. At least things happen for a reason. I hated that job and now I’m very happy with my new position. Good luck in your job hunt and show them as much respect when you leave as they did when you returned.