ALT-4 Maternitypaternity Leave Planning Ahead
You're having a baby. Congratulations! Whether this is your first child or your fifth, welcoming a new son or daughter into the world is a joyous occasion, and you certainly don't want your baby bliss to be marred by job concerns. But you're human, so you worry. Will your boss think you've chosen family over career? Will you lose your spot on the promotion track? Here's the good news: With a little advance planning, you can use your maternity/paternity leave to show your employer that juggling work and family is no problem for a star performer like you! Here are some tips for effectively managing your leave.
1. Be prepared to transition your job responsibilities early. Remember, your baby hasn't consulted with your doctor about his/her arrival date. If your doctor orders bed rest or baby decides to come early, you need to be prepared, so have your plan in place by the start of your (or your wife's) sixth month.
2. As soon as you know you'll be needing leave, meet with your immediate supervisor to discuss how your job responsibilities will be handled in your absence. As much as possible, have a plan of action prepared. Managers value employees who bring them solutions, so be prepared to make recommendations about which of your colleagues is best suited to handle certain duties in your absence.
3. Once you've met with your supervisor, notify Human Resources immediately. Familiarize yourself with the procedures you'll need to follow to start your leave and return to work when your leave is complete.
4. Document your projects and responsibilities in writing, and maintain an up-to-date, organized file of any relevant correspondence, as well as a list of the locations of important computer files. Be as clear and detailed as possible. Let your replacements "test run" any written instructions before you leave so that you'll know if you need to clarify any points.
5. Meet early and often with the person or people who will be assuming your responsibilities, and set aside dedicated time for any needed training.
6. If you are point person for any clients or vendors, be sure to prepare your contacts for your absence and introduce them to the individuals who will be handling your accounts while you're away.
7. It's likely that co-workers will need to contact you from time to time with questions, so establish a plan for keeping in contact while you're out of the office. For example, you might plan to be incommunicado the first week, and then call in once or twice a week for the remainder of your leave. Clearly communicate your intentions and maintain a regular schedule. People are less likely to stress about minor concerns if they know that you will be checking in each Monday afternoon. Whatever your plan, it's a good idea to ensure that your immediate supervisor has a reliable phone number where you can be reached in case of emergencies.
With proper planning and clear communication, you can ensure that your maternity/paternity leave is a positive experience for both you and your employer so that, when you return to work, you find colleagues who are thrilled to see you (and your baby pictures!) and a smoothly running job that's ready for your return.
