talking to boss about maternity leave and return to work in an hour

michele31 Posted: Jul 28, 2003 02:01 PM

talking to boss about maternity leave and return to work in an hour

I am surprised but I am really nervous about this conference call. I am not sure why really when my boss is great and has been really good to me during my entire pregnancy and the fact that I have not been able to commute is not an issue for him at all.
I requested the meeting to go over the dates I will be out (based on due date, but of course, that may change depending on baby's ideas) and then my return to work stuff. I am going to be out for 12 weeks- the first 6 weeks are my disablity and the second 6 weeks are FMLA. I am going to tell him that I will check e-mail and voice-mail during that time though- I am the ONLY person who does my job at the company. I will also tell him that I can give him a day at home per week on my second 6-week time, since DH will work from home that day and help me with the baby. Of course, the baby will come first at that time, but if my boss needs me I will try to get the work done.
Then I will return 3 days per week until the baby is 6 old, then 4 days a week after that. I am hoping to do 1-2 days at home, with the baby in daycare though. We need to discuss if he will keep me on the benefits plan if I am less than full-time, how my vacation time will be effected, how my pay scale will change.
Anyway wish me luck! I will post an update after the call.

jenny11.9 Posted: Jul 28, 2003 02:17 PM

Re: talking to boss about maternity leave and return to work in an hour

Michele - sounds like you have a very well thought out plan for your employer and you to work with. I wouldn't worry at all. I am sure you are a huge asset to your company, and they will do what it takes to make this necessary transition as easy as pie! Good luck!

MSCJLK Posted: Jul 28, 2003 02:17 PM

Re: talking to boss about maternity leave and return to work in an hour

Good luck

NovemberSue Posted: Jul 28, 2003 02:21 PM

Re: talking to boss about maternity leave and return to work in an hour

Good luck Michele. Sounds like you don't have to worry though since you said you have such a wonderful boss.

HeatherandNick Posted: Jul 28, 2003 02:23 PM

Re: talking to boss about maternity leave and return to work in an hour

Good luck

Teri Posted: Jul 28, 2003 02:25 PM

Re: talking to boss about maternity leave and return to work in an hour

Are you being paid those 2nd 6 wks of FMLA leave? You technically shouldn't be working at all if unless you're 'working from home' during that time and getting paid.

phyl Posted: Jul 28, 2003 02:33 PM

Re: talking to boss about maternity leave and return to work in an hour

hey there- just a point
if you are NOT getting paid during FMLA it is against the law for you to do ANY work. YOu are out on a form of disability. if you can do work ( via phone or email) then u r not disabled and shoujld be able to go IN to work...just thought I should let you know this...

this was pointed out to me when I was out on mat leave...and as good and helpful as I wnated to be, I could have gotten my company ( mutli national) into a lot of trouble...

so be Aware...

Jeanene Posted: Jul 28, 2003 03:11 PM

Re: talking to boss about maternity leave and return to work in an hour

Good Luck! I hope it all goes well!

michele31 Posted: Jul 28, 2003 04:19 PM

Re: talking to boss about maternity leave and return to work in an hour

My company is only 30 people so techincally he doesn't have to give me FLMA. He is being a nice guy about it so I told him today that I will make myself available to him and one other person during the 2nd 6-weeks and check my v/m and e-mail and I will be paid for one day per week for that time.
The talk went great. He will allow me 1 day in the office, 2 days at home provided the baby is in daycare all 3 days. I can do this for 3 months after my leave ends which gives me until the baby is 6 months old or so. Then I told him I will go to 4-days a week (3 days home, 1 in the office, but occassionally 2 days in the office when he needs me for meetings and such) and he asked if and when I would ever go full-time again. I told him when the baby is a year old we can re-evulate the situation and decide at that time.
I am SOOO reliefed that he is okay with this stuff.
Also, he will not drop my single coverage benefits or my vacation time. I have to put this all into a formal letter to him this week. He told me not to worry that we can work this all out and that he is fine with what I am asking for. Of course, my pay will be adjusted but he told me to figure out what I think is fair.
So now the search for my daycare center begins....talk about stress!

phyl Posted: Jul 28, 2003 04:49 PM

that worked out well

wow that really worked out WELL! yes, you will be taking a pay hit but you must have factored that in during your decision making process. that is GREAT that you are able to swing this..

MAKE SURE TO GET IT IN WRITING- WITH HIS SIGNATURE ON IT.

Let me know where u live...maybe soem of my daycare search info will be relavant to you

The Original 2nd-time-around Posted: Jul 28, 2003 05:26 PM

Re: that worked out well

Good for you! Sounds like things went GREAT
Let me know what town you live in...

michele31 Posted: Jul 28, 2003 06:07 PM

Re: that worked out well

I am in Ronkonkoma. I am looking for a local daycare center, not a home where a mom watches kids so she can be home with her own children. Any info would be SOOOO helpful.

I just sent off my proposal this minute. We will have it offical when all the conditions are agreed upon. I am very relieved.