Employers need to be aware of their legal responsibilities are, as well as what company culture they are promoting, when they have staff that are expecting. If you are concerned about how you can help your pregnant employees to be the best that they can be as a new parent and as an employee, read on to get a few tips.
Make Pregnant Employees Aware of the Policies
One of the most important things that you can do is have a discussion with your pregnant employee about the benefits that she’s entitled to get. She might not know exactly how much leave that she can take once she’s had the baby. If you offer paternity leave, that should also be stated. Ask if she requires any special accommodations. While you don’t want to inquire into her medical health in any way, you do want to let her know about the available resources. You also want to convey that there is an opportunity for her to have a conversation throughout the pregnancy if she needs something.
Allocate Available Work
Some people might have certain restrictions from their doctors so that they can carry the baby to term in a healthful way. Be willing to make the changes necessary so that she can continue to work and contribute to the company and team while still having what she needs to have a healthy pregnancy. You still need to make sure that the work is being done, but she might need to have her role modified for a few months. Discrimination can have major legal ramifications for your business. Worker’s rights are at the forefront of businesses that care about their employees and are interested in complying with state and federal laws.
Consider Adding a Room for Pumping Breast Milk
While an employee might no longer be pregnant, it’s still important to offer support after she has come back from leave. You should work this stage of the child-bearing and child-rearing process into your overall plan for pregnant employees. Unless you fit into an exclusion category, you’re required by law to provide a room for new parents to express breast milk while they are on break.
When you’re talking to your pregnant employees, make sure that you don’t overstep and ask anyone personal information. Make conversations non-intrusive and offer options and resources.
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