bahamiangoddess
03-07-08, - 01:01 AM
ETIQUETTE 101
Pregnancy in the workplace
You are so happy. You've been to the doctor and he has confirmed you're pregnant! But before you take the first three letters from your name and add it to your husband's name to come up with your new baby's name, I'd like to share other important points for your consideration.
Q: When should I tell people I'm pregnant?
A: You can tell family and friends the good news whenever you want. Traditionally most people wait until after the first trimester, when there is less risk of miscarriage. Remember if you announce your pregnancy too early it will seem like your pregnancy will never end, especially when people begin to say "girl when will you have this baby?"
In regards to your boss and co-workers, depending on your position within the organization hold off as long as you can especially if you are not showing, not experiencing morning sickness, and especially if sharing your news could interfere with a pending promotion. Whatever your decision remember that your boss should know that you are pregnant before anyone else in the office does.
Q: How do I discuss my pregnancy with my boss?
A: Like any other important discussion, you've got to prepare yourself. Do research and learn your rights, because your boss may want to discuss certain things immediately. Dust the spider web off your company's handbook/manual and research your organization's policies as it relates to pregnancy in the workplace. Draw from past experiences of other co-workers and managers' attitudes toward those individuals. Decide how much time from work you will take off after the baby, and whether you want to resume in a full time or part-time capacity?
Armed with this information, privately announce to your boss that you are pregnant. Be sensitive to the mood in the office, so that you can pick a good time to talk to your boss. If your boss seems a little stressed or is dealing with a particularly difficult situation, prolong talking with your boss for a day or two. Trust me your news will be better received if your boss is not already stressed out.
Remember to reassure your boss that you're only pregnant, not infected with some disease, and therefore will not expect any special treatment or sympathy, and that you will continue to work as long as possible maintaining the same high standard that he and your co-workers have grown accustomed to.
Q: How do I maintain a professional image as my pregnancy progresses?
A: Fashion designers have made it very easy to maintain a polished professional image. Boxy, floral print dresses are a thing of the past, having been replaced with smart skirt and pants suits in various colors and modern designs. As always, remember to dress like a professional — nothing too tight, too short or too bright and remember "my feet are swollen" is no excuse to drag slippers.
A word to the expectant mother
Don't go around the office complaining about your aches and pains. Yes your back may feel like it is "splitting open", your ankles are swollen, you're retaining water, you may have gas, can't sleep at night, and you may be carrying this baby so low you could hardly walk, but save this information for spouse, family and friends.
And while you're at it, please spare us the details of your Lamaze class, how much weight you've gained, your horrible morning or night sickness, cravings, your doctors visit etc. Remember you discretion will keep the focus off your pregnancy and on business (where it should be). Maintaining a professional image during this time is paramount.
Stop spitting in the cup!
"Sista" you are turning people off! This practice is most inappropriate and nasty to say the least, my stomach is churning just at the thought. Speak with your doctor and try to come up with a better solution.
A word to the co-workers
"Stop, touching my belly", is the message that all pregnant women want to scream. Not only is this is a violation of their privacy, but a level of intimacy that is reserved for their spouse, family and close friends. So stop it and make your friends stop.
About the shower
One shower is enough. It should be held outside the office so as not to disrupt productivity. Please don't nag or gossip about co-workers who do not wish to participate or contribute towards a gift. They are well within their rights, and when his/her time comes around people will have the same option.
Mother-to-be
Remember to send a thank you note to everyone who gave you a gift within two weeks of the shower and please don't forget to send flowers to the person who organized it.
Pregnancy in the workplace
You are so happy. You've been to the doctor and he has confirmed you're pregnant! But before you take the first three letters from your name and add it to your husband's name to come up with your new baby's name, I'd like to share other important points for your consideration.
Q: When should I tell people I'm pregnant?
A: You can tell family and friends the good news whenever you want. Traditionally most people wait until after the first trimester, when there is less risk of miscarriage. Remember if you announce your pregnancy too early it will seem like your pregnancy will never end, especially when people begin to say "girl when will you have this baby?"
In regards to your boss and co-workers, depending on your position within the organization hold off as long as you can especially if you are not showing, not experiencing morning sickness, and especially if sharing your news could interfere with a pending promotion. Whatever your decision remember that your boss should know that you are pregnant before anyone else in the office does.
Q: How do I discuss my pregnancy with my boss?
A: Like any other important discussion, you've got to prepare yourself. Do research and learn your rights, because your boss may want to discuss certain things immediately. Dust the spider web off your company's handbook/manual and research your organization's policies as it relates to pregnancy in the workplace. Draw from past experiences of other co-workers and managers' attitudes toward those individuals. Decide how much time from work you will take off after the baby, and whether you want to resume in a full time or part-time capacity?
Armed with this information, privately announce to your boss that you are pregnant. Be sensitive to the mood in the office, so that you can pick a good time to talk to your boss. If your boss seems a little stressed or is dealing with a particularly difficult situation, prolong talking with your boss for a day or two. Trust me your news will be better received if your boss is not already stressed out.
Remember to reassure your boss that you're only pregnant, not infected with some disease, and therefore will not expect any special treatment or sympathy, and that you will continue to work as long as possible maintaining the same high standard that he and your co-workers have grown accustomed to.
Q: How do I maintain a professional image as my pregnancy progresses?
A: Fashion designers have made it very easy to maintain a polished professional image. Boxy, floral print dresses are a thing of the past, having been replaced with smart skirt and pants suits in various colors and modern designs. As always, remember to dress like a professional — nothing too tight, too short or too bright and remember "my feet are swollen" is no excuse to drag slippers.
A word to the expectant mother
Don't go around the office complaining about your aches and pains. Yes your back may feel like it is "splitting open", your ankles are swollen, you're retaining water, you may have gas, can't sleep at night, and you may be carrying this baby so low you could hardly walk, but save this information for spouse, family and friends.
And while you're at it, please spare us the details of your Lamaze class, how much weight you've gained, your horrible morning or night sickness, cravings, your doctors visit etc. Remember you discretion will keep the focus off your pregnancy and on business (where it should be). Maintaining a professional image during this time is paramount.
Stop spitting in the cup!
"Sista" you are turning people off! This practice is most inappropriate and nasty to say the least, my stomach is churning just at the thought. Speak with your doctor and try to come up with a better solution.
A word to the co-workers
"Stop, touching my belly", is the message that all pregnant women want to scream. Not only is this is a violation of their privacy, but a level of intimacy that is reserved for their spouse, family and close friends. So stop it and make your friends stop.
About the shower
One shower is enough. It should be held outside the office so as not to disrupt productivity. Please don't nag or gossip about co-workers who do not wish to participate or contribute towards a gift. They are well within their rights, and when his/her time comes around people will have the same option.
Mother-to-be
Remember to send a thank you note to everyone who gave you a gift within two weeks of the shower and please don't forget to send flowers to the person who organized it.