Develop a Pregnancy/Family Leave Policy

The Family and Medical Leave Act (see Department of Labor web page for details) provides specific requirements for employer with more than fifty employees. There are also similar state laws that may apply.  Even if they do not apply to you you can use these regulations as guides.

Family and Medical Leave Act

Overview

http://www.dol.gov/whd/fmla/index.htm

Covered employers must grant an eligible employee up to a total of 12 workweeks of unpaid leave during any 12-month period for one or more of the following reasons:

·         for the birth and care of the newborn child of the employee;

·         for placement with the employee of a son or daughter for adoption or foster care;

·         to care for an immediate family member (spouse, child, or parent) with a serious health condition; or

·         to take medical leave when the employee is unable to work because of a serious health condition.

If you are not covered by one of these acts it would be best to set policies of your own:

·         Does the leave apply to both men and women employees?

·         What is the length that you can or will hold open the position? The Act sets 12 weeks as the length of leave.

·         Will you pay the employee in full or in part? Will you pay their health benefits if applicable or will you allow them to stay on your plan if they pay the premium.

Think through what you can do and what you want to do.  Make a policy that lets you be consistent.

Original content (c) Thomas Robinson 2010