ALT-5 Maternitypaternity Leave Planning Ahead
Having a child is one of the most spectacular events in life. With today's economic shifts, it's becoming more and more of a reality that both parents need to work to make ends meet. These working conditions can lead you to wonder how you are going to cope with having a child even with a flexible schedule at work. The key to enjoying a successful maternity/paternity leave is proper planning.
Once you learn you and your partner are pregnant your mind may race as you attempt to squeeze nine months of thought into ten minutes. Relax! Enjoy the moment and take a breath, you have several months to plan for the delivery including time off around that special day. But, make no mistake about it, you need to start planning or time will sneak up on you. Try and breakdown your planning by trimester (you might miss the first one, if so just shift those tasks to the second trimester).
FIRST TRIMESTER
After you visit the doctors you should have a better idea of the exact date the delivery is expected to take place. Inform your boss and the company's Human Resource personnel. Send an email because it's less likely to get "misplaced". Call your insurance company and inform them of the new baby's delivery date. Fill out any applicable paperwork if necessary.
SECOND TRIMESTER
The second trimester has started so you probably have a better idea of the date. Now is a good time to send an invite in Microsoft Outlook for a meeting two weeks before the delivery date to your boss. This is just a friendly reminder to them that the date is approaching.
Find and designate your substitute to assume your role while you are out. Some companies vary in the time off they offer but it is always good to have a sub waiting to take over once that date arrives. Inform any clients that will be affected, they should know if someone else is taking over.
THIRD TRIMESTER
Now that the third trimester is here you need to bear down and concentrate. Take you substitute and allow them to shadow you for at least a day, depending on the complexity of your job.Ensure all your paperwork is up to date. The one thing people will absolutely hate is having to do paperwork for someone else because you were lazy. There is plenty of time now so take about 1-2 hours a week and get your paperwork in order.
Put in your paternity/maternity leave time. You should have a good idea by now. HR should allow you to start the leaving at the time of delivery. You can try to plan for a week early but this is pretty much a guessing game and you could get burned especially if you have a short leave period. Talk to your HR people.
Following the plan above will help you enjoy a successful and guilt-free transition into maternity/paternity leave. There are a few more pointers you need to plan for. Have the phone number of one point of contact at work to call after the delivery. This person should act as the catalyst to your plan by informing the HR people that you will be going on leave. While you are out, you should relax. However, I suggest you call your substitute one week after the delivery to check on his progress and answer any questions they may have.
Having a child is a magnificent event and slightly stressful at the same time. To take some of the edge off and to worry less about your away from home life, you need to plan properly. The best planning is done in advance and with some thought. Enjoy your time when you discover about you and your partner' pregnancy. Just remember to begin planning shortly after to ensure a successful and enjoyable leave period for the baby's birth.
