Maternity Leave What You Need to Know if You Get Pregnant - Workology

Maternity Leave What You Need to Know if You Get Pregnant What You Need to Know if You Get Pregnant Any job seekers who happen to be pregnant need to completely understand maternity leave in order to successfully navigate the hiring process. Once you are clear on a mothers rights in your locale, you will no longer need to worry about the challenges of employment during a time when your mind is focused on making sure your diaper bags are stocked for your new child. By understanding maternity leave, you need not be afraid of pregnancy! Photo CreditAfraid Of Pregnancy by Michal Marcol. Federal Maternity Leave Legislation in the USA During the Clinton administration, the United States Congress passed into law the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 [FMLA]. The legislation guaranteed a maximum of 12 weeks unpaid leave to new mothers, whether the child is naturally born or adopted. While the leave does not have to be paid time off, this act does allow pregnant women to have children without worrying that they will lose their jobs. That said, there are restrictions in the law. FMLA only applies to firms with more than 50 employees, and the employee must have worked at the same business for at least a year. During that year, the employee also has to have worked at least 1,250 hours. State Legislation to Fill the Gap Individual states have stepped in to fill the gap. At least 25 states and the District of Columbia have passed state laws that make maternity leave more comprehensive. These states have passed laws such as lowering the minimum number of employees a company must have to be included in maternity leave coverage. A few have gone as low as 10 employees, instead of the minimum 50. Three states and DC even regard maternity as a temporary disability, making new mothers eligible for paid leave through the states disability programs. Youll have to check whether or not your own state has supplemented the federal guarantees, but chances are you have more options than you realize. Job Seeking While Pregnant Many women are forced to look for work while they are pregnant, and the pregnant woman can easily feel like shes walking around with a do not hire sign on her forehead. Being up front and honest that you are expecting, however, does give a positive impression to potential employers of your integrity. If you are well qualified for a position, chances are an employer will work with you to make the maternity leave easy for the firm. Maternity leave gives mom time to bond with her newborn. Photo CreditNewborn Baby Sleeping by papaija2008.   One positive action would be to come into a job interview with a plan for work flow during your maternity leave. Perhaps theres the option to put in a few hours per day from home while the baby is napping. Any creative ideas are sure to show the hiring manager or business owner that you are a responsible employee who thinks about the success of the company even while balancing your home life. In conclusion, preparation is key to job seeking while pregnant. By knowing your options and giving the potential employer assurance youre a team player, chances are youll be successfully employed before you know it! What You Need to Know if You Get Pregnant What are your pregnant job search stories?