ALT-2 Maternitypaternity Leave Planning Ahead
You've made your rounds in the office and have announced that you're expecting. Although you may be a stellar employee who will meet all commitments before going on hiatus, your obligation doesn't end there. You should plan for the work void you're absence will cause. As a professional, this is your opportunity to communicate a transition and support plan, which will prove to be a win-win for you and your team. If successfully implemented, taking this initiative will reap rewards from your boss in the long term after you've returned to the workplace, when you'll need more flexibility to balance work and family life.
Have the following ready for discussion when sitting down with your boss to prove a well thought out plan. Outline your workload by dividing it into the following categories:
Your Daily Responsibilities:-Do you distribute recurring reports or e-mails which should be transitioned?-Do you monitor any work-flows each morning which require training?-Do you attend any meetings and/or conference calls on a regular basis which you should pull someone in on now to fill your seat?
Your Works In-Progress:-Prioritize your current projects, citing target dates which you can realistically meet.-Estimate how much time you'll need for training and how this will impact your commitments.-Nominate resources to whom you can perform knowledge transfer.-Leave a cheat sheet of all go-to contacts, logins and file locations with those covering for you.
Future Initiatives:-Raise a red flag for those projects which must be postponed as a result of your absence.-Identify projects which can easily be delegated to other resources, if feasible.
Remember to notify all internal and external contacts of your pending leave.
Traveling on BusinessWhile some women have no qualms about traveling while pregnant, this may not be something you're comfortable with, even if considered safe by your doctor. Share your feelings surrounding travel with your boss, so he/she can work with you and designate someone in your place if necessary.
Extending your LeaveNegotiate extending your maternity leave by suggesting practical options such as:
-Cashing in on unused vacation days.-Working from home for a short length of time-Taking leave without pay.-Commuting to the office for one or two days
Making yourself accessibleYou'll want to reassure your boss that you can be contacted at home, while keeping the following tips in mind:
-Be specific about when the office can begin contacting you after your baby is born.-Drop a quick e-mail when you're back on-line to let colleagues know you've resurfaced and can answer their questions.-Communicate your baby's sleeping and feeding schedule, so there is no frustration on either side as to when you are available.-Drop into the office for a visit with your baby and a check-in with colleagues on how they are managing the workload.
Outside of reviewing your company's maternity leave policy, be sure you discuss with Human Resources:
-Disability coverage should your doctor request that you be placed on bed rest.-A shorter workweek schedule and how your benefits and pay will be affected.-Flex time possibilities for when you return. Note: Sometimes, HR will leave flexible working arrangements up to the manager's discretion.
