Do you know your rights in the workplace?
I feel compelled to write this article because of an experience that I had not too long ago. First of all, congratulations to all you expectant mothers reading this; may you have a very exciting and fulfilling journey from here to baby!
By Salina Sempebwa
I feel compelled to write this article because of an experience that I had not too long ago. First of all, congratulations to all you expectant mothers reading this; may you have a very exciting and fulfilling journey from here to baby!
That said, this article shouldn’t be read by expectant mothers only, but by employers, supervisors, partners of expectant mothers, those who hope to become mothers and those that influence relevant legislation (I guess that means that everyone should read it!).
I am an expectant mother. Recently, I had an appointment with my doctor. I informed my supervisor of the appointment time in the morning and the response I received was frosty. It even resulted in an accusation that I just wanted to ‘dodge’ work simply because I left for my 3:00pm appointment on time. I happened to see the doctor at 5:30pm due to the queue and was, therefore, unable to return to work!
I am an HR professional, and I am totally aware of the rights of employees, as well as the employees’ responsibilities to the organisation. I chose to let this incident slide with my boss, but I will not let it slide with you. I know that there are many pregnant women who are unaware of their rights and are likely to get ‘bullied’ at work. This could result in compromising their health and that of their unborn child.
This is where you really start to pay attention. Number one – all permanent and contract employees, male or female, are entitled to time off to see a doctor whenever they are unwell. It is reasonable for your employer to request for a note from the doctor confirming your attendance or days awarded off due to your illness. Please provide these.
An expectant mother is entitled to time off for antenatal visits. The responsibility is for the employee to schedule these at convenient times, as far as is possible. A good guideline is early in the day or towards the end of the working day. Of course, one would need to fit in with the doctors’ schedule. Progressive companies recognise this and ensure that their staff receive the support they need to attend antenatal visits. If you are not sure where your company stands on this issue, ask your HR department for clarification. This will also probably be documented in your staff handbook.
Join me in applauding labour legislators; maternity leave is now 60 working days, on full wages! The rule of thumb is that at least four weeks of this should be after the baby has been born, which gives the mother flexibility about when she chooses to commence her maternity leave. Most mums will leave it as late as possible so they have more time at home with their newborn. Many companies will have guidelines on when you can start your leave. Find out what these are and plan accordingly.
However, you also have responsibilities as an expectant mother. You need to inform your employer, in good time, of your need to go on maternity leave. This is because your employer will need to organise a relief worker to take care of your responsibilities while you are away. It will also make it easier for you to attend your antenatal visits if your employer has an understanding of why you need to be away from work.
You also need to make sure you do not slacken at work. This is easier said than done for some women. Pregnancies differ; while some women breeze through it, others feel sick and harassed from the moment of conception to the end of the birth process. Whenever you are feeling well, please make sure that your work is as good as it has always been, you are meeting deadlines and contributing effectively to your teams. This can be ensured by taking good care of your health – eat right, exercise, rest enough and have a support system that keeps you cheerful and helps you deal with your anxieties.
Your journey to motherhood is probably the most anxiety-ridden, frustrating, exhausting, exciting and challenging one you will ever undertake.
Here’s hoping that you will have the support that you need both from home and at work to enjoy it and remain healthy!
The writer is a Human Resourse professional
I feel compelled to write this article because of an experience that I had not too long ago. First of all, congratulations to all you expectant mothers reading this; may you have a very exciting and fulfilling journey from here to baby!
That said, this article shouldn’t be read by expectant mothers only, but by employers, supervisors, partners of expectant mothers, those who hope to become mothers and those that influence relevant legislation (I guess that means that everyone should read it!).
I am an expectant mother. Recently, I had an appointment with my doctor. I informed my supervisor of the appointment time in the morning and the response I received was frosty. It even resulted in an accusation that I just wanted to ‘dodge’ work simply because I left for my 3:00pm appointment on time. I happened to see the doctor at 5:30pm due to the queue and was, therefore, unable to return to work!
I am an HR professional, and I am totally aware of the rights of employees, as well as the employees’ responsibilities to the organisation. I chose to let this incident slide with my boss, but I will not let it slide with you. I know that there are many pregnant women who are unaware of their rights and are likely to get ‘bullied’ at work. This could result in compromising their health and that of their unborn child.
This is where you really start to pay attention. Number one – all permanent and contract employees, male or female, are entitled to time off to see a doctor whenever they are unwell. It is reasonable for your employer to request for a note from the doctor confirming your attendance or days awarded off due to your illness. Please provide these.
An expectant mother is entitled to time off for antenatal visits. The responsibility is for the employee to schedule these at convenient times, as far as is possible. A good guideline is early in the day or towards the end of the working day. Of course, one would need to fit in with the doctors’ schedule. Progressive companies recognise this and ensure that their staff receive the support they need to attend antenatal visits. If you are not sure where your company stands on this issue, ask your HR department for clarification. This will also probably be documented in your staff handbook.
Join me in applauding labour legislators; maternity leave is now 60 working days, on full wages! The rule of thumb is that at least four weeks of this should be after the baby has been born, which gives the mother flexibility about when she chooses to commence her maternity leave. Most mums will leave it as late as possible so they have more time at home with their newborn. Many companies will have guidelines on when you can start your leave. Find out what these are and plan accordingly.
However, you also have responsibilities as an expectant mother. You need to inform your employer, in good time, of your need to go on maternity leave. This is because your employer will need to organise a relief worker to take care of your responsibilities while you are away. It will also make it easier for you to attend your antenatal visits if your employer has an understanding of why you need to be away from work.
You also need to make sure you do not slacken at work. This is easier said than done for some women. Pregnancies differ; while some women breeze through it, others feel sick and harassed from the moment of conception to the end of the birth process. Whenever you are feeling well, please make sure that your work is as good as it has always been, you are meeting deadlines and contributing effectively to your teams. This can be ensured by taking good care of your health – eat right, exercise, rest enough and have a support system that keeps you cheerful and helps you deal with your anxieties.
Your journey to motherhood is probably the most anxiety-ridden, frustrating, exhausting, exciting and challenging one you will ever undertake.
Here’s hoping that you will have the support that you need both from home and at work to enjoy it and remain healthy!
The writer is a Human Resourse professional