Telling your family and friends about your pregnancy is easy. Telling your boss the big news can be a little scarier, though. He or she might question your job performance or commitment to the company. Learn several tips that help you feel confident about telling your boss that you’re pregnant.
Before you Share the News
After you confirm your pregnancy, take time to read your employee manual. Understand your company’s leave policies as you anticipate multiple doctor appointments and maternity leave. Review the prenatal and postpartum care your health insurance covers, too.
When to Tell the Boss
You can wait to share the news until after your first trimester ends. By 12 weeks, your risk of miscarriage decreases, and your baby bump may begin to show.
In certain cases, you will want to tell your boss about your pregnancy by eight weeks:
- You have severe nausea.
- Your pregnancy is high risk.
- You work at a physically strenuous job or around chemicals.
- You need special accommodations, including less travel or lighter duty.
- You work from home.
You definitely want to have the big talk before 20 weeks. Not only will your baby bump be visible and more difficult to hide, but you’ll also want to start planning your maternity leave. Discuss details like how long you’ll be off, who will take over your duties and if you’ll check in during your maternity leave or totally unplug.
Where to Have the Talk
When you’re ready to share your pregnancy, choose a private place and select a time when your boss is not rushed or stressed. Consider scheduling an appointment to talk at work or offer to take your boss for coffee or to lunch. Remember to discuss your pregnancy with the Human Resources manager, too.
What Not to Do
Do not wait until the last minute to share the good news. Your boss will need time to plan projects and coverage for your duties while you’re on maternity leave.
You also don’t want your boss to be the last one in the office to hear the news. Word travels quickly, and it’s unprofessional to tell the boss important news last.
Don’t be afraid of losing your job, either. Employers are legally prohibited from discriminating against pregnant women, and you can pursue legal action if your boss intentionally reduces your workload, pressures you to quit or fires you because of the pregnancy.
Your pregnancy is an exciting experience. Stay professional at work when you follow these tips as you share your big news with your boss.
