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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.
Telling Employer About PregnancyZoe writes, "My company is being acquired and I am a senior executive. I am 9 weeks pregnant, haven't told my current employer and am being asked to sign an employment agreement. What is your advice as far as telling my current and future employer as well as whether or not I should write maternity leave into my contract?"Answer: Your Question: To my knowledge, an employment agreement sets out the terms and conditions of employment. In addition, it normally includes a description of your duties and position, compensation and benefits, info about termination of employment, clauses for confidentiality and non-compete agreements, and, other miscellaneous factors. I suggest you read your employment agreement thoroughly and have your attorney (or other legal expert) review it, too. Beware of the contents and fine print within your agreement. Work with your attorney to word the possibility of a leave of absence into your agreement if there's nothing that adequately covers your intended leave. You can probably word it vaguely enough to cover any type of leave if you're not ready to step forward and make your announcement. Many employment agreements cover disability and other benefits within the document, so, read through these areas to see if you'd be covered. Be sure to address your concerns when speaking to your attorney. At this point, you are not legally obligated to disclose your pregnancy. Many expectant moms wait until the end of the first trimester to announce their pregnancy. Becoming more aware of what is written into your specific employment contract will help you make the best decision for you. Make sure you understand your rights and obligations under your contract. Although you have many good intentioned people giving you their input, remember, the ultimate decision is yours. Be sure you are comfortable with your decision and the timing of your announcement. In either case, insure that your employment will not be in jeopardy in the future based on your pregnancy and desire to take a leave of absence. You will begin showing at some point--how do you want your employer to learn of your pregnancy? What are your alternatives and possible consequences of each? Your employment agreement can be a key negotiating document for you. You have a lot to offer the company that's acquiring your current employer in terms of your expertise and skills. Assuming they need you more than you need them, puts you are in a better position relative to bargaining for what you want. Your attorney can offer you the best legal advice in your circumstance and you can trust yourself to make the right decision for you on when to share the news. Trust your instincts!
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