Ask the Business Coach Joyce K. Reynolds is an expert Business Coach who works with CEOs, Sr. Execs, entrepreneurs and countless others providing knowledge, solutions, motivation and support that assist her clientele in successfully meeting workplace challenges. Find out more about Joyce's coaching practice. Going Part-time After Maternity Leave Question: I'm going on maternity leave from my current position and am not planning on coming back to my position full-time. There is a part-time position within the company that I'd like to be available for when I return, is this something I should discuss with my manager before I go on maternity leave or deal with the issue when on maternity leave prior to returning? Janelle Answer: If you are working for a company that is governed by Title VII guidelines protecting employees from discrimination regarding pregnancy, they are required to have a job for you on your return. The fact that there is no guarantee regarding what specific job you will get on your return is not an issue for you as you have already decided not to return to a fulltime position with your current company. You can easily turn your decision into an advantage by being fair and smart and telling your manager of your plans so he/she can begin to look for your replacement. This information will help make the internal transition easier especially if you also offer to be on hand to train the new person and cooperate in every way to make the changeover to your replacement informed and easy. In light of such a cooperative and considerate attitude, you may find your company more predisposed to granting your request for a return to the part time position of your choice. Be sure you any offer you make for smooth transition does not come across as a quid pro quo. In other words, do not hinge your cooperative attitude on your getting the part time position you desire. Make the offer unconditionally, and also bring a rationale regarding the wisdom of placing you in the part time position on your return. Make it a win-win negotiation and it's more likely that your company will accommodate your request if it does not obstruct the flow of their business in your absence. If you find that this particular position can not be held for you, ask your management to work with you on finding a good part time slot for you on your return. Your interest in continuing with this company and your dedication to being a considerate employee will, undoubtedly, make them work harder in the direction of pleasing you on your return. Also see: • Ask Joyce your workplace questions • More questions • One-on-one business coaching Disclaimer: The information in this column is intended to provide the reader with general ideas or concepts to be used as part of a broader base of knowledge they collect to determine their own best course of action and solutions most suitable for solving their workplace challenges. The information in this column is not guaranteed to be the appropriate solution for each individual.