How should you tell your boss you are pregnant?

On Behalf of | Sep 26, 2022 | Employer Retaliation, Employment Contracts, Employment Disputes |

If you are expecting a baby, you may feel excited about this time in your life but nervous about how your employer will react. Although your employer may not be as excited as you about your pregnancy, he or she cannot retaliate against you.

According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, federal law protects you against pregnancy harassment and discrimination at work. The following strategies can help you tell your employer about your pregnancy and potentially prevent difficulties later on.

Schedule a time

Do not try and tell your employer about your pregnancy when he or she is busy, on the way out the door or distracted. Instead, set up a private meeting with your boss to tell him or her about your situation and to make arrangements for the coming months.

Frame your pregnancy positively

Avoid making apologies for your pregnancy at the beginning of the conversation you have with your employer. Tell your boss that you want to commit to finding a balance between your work and home life as your pregnancy progresses.

Remain open to compromise

Come to the meeting with your employer prepared with a plan about how to handle your pregnancy at work and when you take maternity leave. However, be willing to compromise and work with your employer to create a plan that works for both of you.

Although your employer cannot discriminate against you during pregnancy, many women still experience situations like this at work. Take action if you notice that your employer has started to treat you differently because of your pregnancy.

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