Parental/Maternal Leave

[Munchkin03]

Does your company have a separate parental/maternal leave policy (beyond Disability or FMLA)?

Yes. Right now it's really nebulous since until fairly recently, the women who had children simply ended their careers, and their husbands became primary breadwinners. Now, we have had a lot of single mothers having children, as well as women who want to come back to work--even part time or working from home. I imagine by the time I have a little Munchkin, it's going to be more set in stone.

If so, is it paid, or unpaid?

For the first 4 weeks, it's paid. Afterwards, FMLA kicks in.


Basics of the policy (how much time, % of salary, who is eligible, etc.)

See above.

What type of company/industry (name is not needed, but if you want to feel free!)

Construction industry

Approx number of employees

50

I can honestly say that I don't feel any resentment when those who have children have to leave early, or at a moment's notice, if their kids get sick. Look, life gets messy. These are the same people who have covered for me when there's been a death in the family and I've had to fly back to Florida right away. For us, when someone leaves for maternity leave, they tend to stay involved with major projects, at least on a phone-call basis, to keep the client happy and to maintain continuity. Otherwise, we don't hire any new people--everyone just picks up the slack, because we never know when someone else is going to need that support.

[Tippiechick]

Originally Posted by Munchkin03

I can honestly say that I don't feel any resentment when those who have children have to leave early, or at a moment's notice, if their kids get sick. Look, life gets messy. These are the same people who have covered for me when there's been a death in the family and I've had to fly back to Florida right away. For us, when someone leaves for maternity leave, they tend to stay involved with major projects, at least on a phone-call basis, to keep the client happy and to maintain continuity. Otherwise, we don't hire any new people--everyone just picks up the slack, because we never know when someone else is going to need that support.

That's awesome that you work at a job where people can do your work for you. But, in a lot of offices and specialty niche workplaces, you can't just have someone pick up the slack because the person taking time off has specialized skills or responsibilities.

Life does get messy. And sometimes having a kid means you should stay home or find a new job if you end up in a specialty niche. Hey, if you're in an industry where you won't cause me any inconvenience as a co-worker or boss, spit out all the kids you want.