 |
|
Ask the Expert: Finding Balance Natalie Gahrmann is a success coach and owner of N-R-G Coaching Associates, a private coaching company that specializes in helping working parents achieve mastery of work and life. Her clients experience more clarity, direction and alignment while reducing stress in their busy lives.
Pregnancy and Out of Work?Kimberly writes, "I am almost 3 months pregnant and believe that my job is in jeopardy. Not due to the pregnancy but because they have little work for me. My original job has been phased out due to the lack of consulting work our company has received. Not due to my work ethics. My old boss quit about a month ago. I now have a new manager who I have to tell that I am expecting. My question--- do I have any rights? I have been sending out a few resumes but still have the issue of perhaps no benefits if I am hired as well as all the stares from potential new co-workers knowing I will be on leave soon. What are my options?"Answer: Fortunately, you have a number of rights and are protected under the Pregnancy Discriimination Act of 1978 (if you work for an employer of 15 or more employees it is illegal for them to discriminate against you because of pregnancy, childbirth or pregnancy-related conditions). However, you are advised in most cases to keep your news out of the office (initially) so that you are not wrongfully fired or passed over for a promotion after you announce your pregnancy. The Equal Opportunities Employment Commission receives well over 4000 complaints of pregnancy discrimination each year! The Family and Medical Leave Act has given pregnant women, who are employed in workplaces with 50 or more people, the right to take a combination of paid and unpaid leave equaling twelve weeks, for the birth of a child. So, to answer your first question, you don't need to tell your new boss about your pregnancy until you are ready. When you need to will depend on your medical condition, potential workplace hazards, and your plans. In general, your pregnancy is legally irrelevant to your work. If you can do your work, keep doing it and do it very well. When there comes a time when your pregnancy is too obvious to hide or that your medical condition will require accommodation, then you are advised to share your news. Rights vary by state so you should contact the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and your state civil rights commission to find out what your specific rights are. You should also be aware of how to file a complaint if you need to. You should also review your company's short-term disability and medical policies and maternity leave policy. Be alert for anything that strikes you as treating pregnancy as any different from any other short-term disability. During interviews, it is illegal for US employers to ask if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Therefore, it's up to you whether or not you want to say anything about it. However, if you're obviously showing, they are allowed to list the duties of the job and ask if you are able to perform them although it's illegal for them to deny you the job, if your pregnancy does not prevent you from performing the duties. If you are asked about your pregnancy, treat the question as an illegal one and politely decline to answer. The dilemma you face is that if you mention your pregnancy during interviews, legal or not, the reality is that it might hinder your chances to land the job. On the other hand, if you don't mention it at all, it's inevitable that your new employer will find out after they've hired you, and they might be resentful. The choice is yours but to ensure you have adequate insurance for both you and your new baby, you may decide to discuss it during the negotiation stage of your interview. While considering potential employers, carefully investigate how the employer's health insurance and maternity benefits work, before you accept the job. During your interview negotiation phase, be prepared to ask about waiting periods before benefits begin; clauses related to prexisting conditions; coverage for prenatal, postnatal and pediatric care; coverage for the hospital stay; and the amount off with and without pay. If you choose to reveal your pregnancy, then ask for and research copies of the insurance and company policies. If you decide to seek out a new employer, don't worry about "the stares from potential new co-workers." Simply be professional and get the job done that you were hired to do! Congratulations and best wishes! Coach Natalie Warmly, Coach Natalie
Also see:
|
|
|