Excitement, jubilation, stress, job anxiety, and sometimes even morning sickness. These are all very real emotions that can arise when welcoming a baby into the world. And while it’s a period of time filled with joy, it also comes with a lot of job anxiety.
Job related pressure is one of the leading causes of stress during pregnancy. How to tell your boss you’re pregnant? How soon should you tell your boss you’re pregnant? When to disclose it? These are all questions we’ll answer in this article.
First Things First: It can help you to disclose
This practical reality is that it is often to your benefit to tell your boss. However, you’re not alone in feeling trepidation!. In fact, the share of partners who claimed or intended to claim parental benefits reached 47% in 2022—the highest ever recorded. So, lots of people are navigating this exact scenario. It’s completely normal, and employers are more prepared for this than you might think.
Know Your Rights
In British Columbia, maternity leave gives the birth mother up to 17 uninterrupted weeks off work. You can start this leave any time within the 13 weeks leading up to your due date, but no later than the birth itself. That means you have flexibility to choose what works best for you.
And for BC public service employees, parental leave can even stretch up to 52 weeks for standard leave or even 78 weeks for extended leave. That’s over a year to bond with your little one, adjust to parenthood, and soak up all those precious moments.
You’re Protected From Discrimination
It is extremely important that you understand and bear in mind your rights against discrimination. Under Section 13 of the Human Rights Code, employees are protected from discrimination in employment based on sex and family status, among other things.
“Sex” in the human rights context arises in terms of a birth mother being protected against discrimination based on being pregnant.
“Family status” might sound a bit vague, but it’s interpreted broadly. It extends to substantial family caregiving duties or obligations. Basically, if you’re stepping into a new role as a parent, the law has your back. Courts have reinforced this, stating that employers must accommodate significant family caregiving responsibilities.
It is critical to note that parental protections arise whether someone is a birth parent, adoptive parent, or perhaps a grandparent or other family member caring for a newborn or an older child.
Not only that, but employers must guarantee that you have a job when you decide to come back to work. No need to stress about job security while you’re raising Canada’s next generation.
Do I Have to Tell Work I’m Pregnant?
Short answer: No. You don’t have to disclose your pregnancy unless you’re planning to take maternity or parental leave. Your employer can’t even ask you about it unless it directly relates to your job duties, which is pretty rare. However, disclosure is often beneficial for both you and the organization in terms of effectively planning for any leave you may take and your eventual return to work.
How to Tell Your Boss You’re Pregnant
We’re all human. So is your boss. When you’re ready to share the news, just be honest and human. If you’re excited, don’t hide it! Feel free to share your intentions about the length of your leave if you know them. If you’re still figuring things out, that’s totally okay too. Open communication can go a long way in making this transition smoother for everyone involved.
Do I Have to Disclose Pregnancy at an Interview?
Again, nope! You have no obligation to disclose your pregnancy during a job interview. And legally, they can’t ask you about it unless it’s somehow directly related to the job—though it’s hard to imagine a scenario where that would be the case.
How Soon Should You Tell Your Employer You Are Pregnant?
This one’s up to you. Share the news when you feel comfortable. It often depends on your workplace culture. If you’re part of a tight-knit, supportive team, you might feel inclined to share earlier. But remember, it’s your news to share whenever you’re ready. There’s no right or wrong time.
How to Tell Your Boss About Maternity Leave
When it comes to discussing maternity leave, it’s similar to telling them about your pregnancy. Be open and honest. Consider how much time they’ll need to arrange a replacement, but remember—you have the right to job-protected leave under the Employment Standards Act (sections 50 and 51) and the Human Rights Code (section 13). So, while it’s courteous to give them a heads-up, the timing is ultimately your call.
Conclusion
Being a parent is extremely exciting…and also sometimes daunting. We understand that and encourage you to learn about your rights as a parent! You have strong rights that hopefully allow you to bask in the excitement of this momentous occasion and focus on the joy of your growing family!
If you have any questions about how your family life and role as a parent work together with your employment, please get in touch with Ascent Employment Law. We’ve been helping BC families for years to know their rights and receive fair and just treatment!
