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Ask the Business Coach Pregnancy ConcernsQuestion: I am a Director of Marketing for a private large company. I work hard to fit into the "family" culture (predominately men of course) and there are many unique demands put on us since it is a small marketing organization. Specifically, we are required to travel 25-35% and we physically take down and set up a large showroom two times a year. This requires significant physical work such as getting on ladders, putting together furniture and sometimes painting. Here is my dilemma: I just found out that I am pregnant (3 weeks or so) with my second child but will be required to paint and do much of this physical work over the next few weeks. I am concerned that 1) I will potentially hurt myself or my baby with the work or fumes I will be exposed to AND 2) I could be penalized internally if I say anything because of the team culture that demands we do all this work. I am considering going to my HR rep, but don't want to be put in a negative light and I am so early in my pregnancy that I really don't want to say anything until I am farther along. Any advice? I feel like I am stuck!Erica Answer: While you are in a significant management position, it seems there are a number of labor-intensive aspects which do merit your concern and an assessment of risk factors to your latest pregnancy. However, you correctly point out that it might be premature to request any workplace adjustments until you are past the early, most vulnerable miscarriage months. In advance of taking up this discussion with your company, you will definitely want to consult with your doctor and get her opinion on how this type of work might affect your health and at what stage there is greatest cause for concern. Your age and overall health, your unborn baby's health, the nature of your job, the number of hours you work and the repetitive nature of your physical duties will all factor into determining the acceptability of the assignments you are required to complete on your current job. Once you have made these assessments, you will be better positioned to speak with your company about any exceptions you might want to request. In general, it's likely that they are expecting you to work as long as you and your baby are healthy. That said, you will want to share the things that will ensure your safety as it provides them with your ongoing services. Regarding the exposure to paint fumes, any possible harm would be a result of totally unventilated areas and very high levels of toxic exposure. If either of those conditions exists, you have greater cause for concern. If not, this is probably an area in which you can remain active. On the other hand, while physical activity and maintaining fitness are beneficial during pregnancy, excessive physical work or heavy lifting, assignments that require long hours standing or maintaining awkward postures can pose risk especially towards the end of your pregnancy. But, while each situation is unique, barring any pregnancy complications, many women are able to work up until they give birth. Unless your doctor has specifically told you that there are certain things you must avoid, it would be smart for you to maintain your routine obligations as long as possible into your pregnancy. Otherwise, you may be seen as using your condition to avoid things that are unpleasant or that you just don't want or like to do. Towards the end, again, depending on what your doctor orders, you may need to cut back on your hours or actually stop working altogether. These delicate issues must all be considered with the understanding that while employers have a moral and legal obligation to provide employees with a safe and healthy working environment, making special arrangements for pregnant staffers is voluntary. More than likely, your company's adjustments to any special needs that may arise for you will depend on the physical rigors of your work, its hazards and on your stage of pregnancy and whether any medical complications are present. For example, if it is determined that you would be endangering yourself or your unborn child, it would be quite legitimate to ask for a change in the nature of your duties, e.g., reduction of standing time, an increase in light or seated duties, removal from painting activities, even more frequent rest breaks. Most companies will do their utmost to comply temporarily with these types of changes. Finally, it's really important, Kim, for you to be clear about your needs versus your desires. Ascertain what is truly and physically safe for you to do in all stages of your pregnancy, then present your suggestions to your employer in a cooperative and fair-minded way. Generally speaking, when on the job pregnancy is approached in this manner, management and peers alike are very willing to see to your well-being. Present your case with this belief in mind and it's likely that you will be taken care of.
Also see: 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.
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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.