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Job security is often a concern for new parents. Understanding your entitlements, obligations and knowing how to approach changing work and leave arrangements can save you a lot of headaches when your baby arrives.
Most men and women in Australia are entitled to a period of unpaid leave and the guarantee of a job to return to within a 52 week period if they are the primary care giver for a newborn.*
Some larger corporate employers offer more supportive guarantees that can include paid paternal and parental leave, shared job arrangements and part-time roles in the business with reduced responsibilities.
‘I started off by doing some casual work ... while still on mat leave, and then they found me a part-time contract position - 3 days per week’ – Jenny, Education Sector
‘Went back f/t after 6 mths, same position then got a promotion after 2 mths. My area is predominantly (made up of) women, 3 men in 60 women so they're used to it!’ – Riana, Health Sector |
Support of this type is quite simply good for business. Employers who offer more than they are obliged to, are signalling their commitment to employees and this often translates into increased job satisfaction, greater productivity and stronger employee loyalty. Unfortunately not all employers are as generous.
| ‘My employer wouldn't consider me returning to work part-time at all. I was told it's all or nothing. They even sent me a letter that I could tick a box. Option A: come back full-time or Option B: resign effective immediately.’ - Suzie
‘My being made redundant wasn't unlawful but it was harsh, unjust and unreasonable as it lacked procedural honesty and fairness.’ – Ariel |
Cases like Suzie and Ariel’s are unfortunately not uncommon. While larger corporate businesses and public institutions are often more easily able to offer additional benefits, smaller companies may not always feel they are in a position to do so the same. The bottom line is not always the culprit either.
‘I work for a company where I was the first to go on mat (maternity or paternal) leave and the first to return. This has presented some problems because no one really understands where I am coming from - I'm 5 years older than the CEO for god's sake!‘ - Angela |
For some expectant mothers, falling pregnant also comes with an introduction to a stigma employers can attach to women in their position. It is often simply a case of the employer involved being ignorant of the needs of a new parent, and perhaps anticipating a supposed increase in demand for sick leave and flexibility from their employee. |
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Just as an employer may be obliged to offer certain work place guarantees, there are a number of obligations you must fulfil in return. These can involve giving appropriate written notice of your pregnancy. Ensure you research your employers existing policy on parental leave. You may also choose to visit Wagenet to confirm details of your obligations.
Once you know where you stand, discuss your options with your employer. Agree on a plan for leaving and returning to the workplace and secure the agreement writing. A simple way to do this might be to email the main points of your discussion to your employer asking them to confirm you have summarised the details correctly.
If you are in a position where your employer does not appear to be fulfilling their responsibilities, there are, a number of opportunities to take the matter further. Before you do so however, consider putting forward an alternative proposal.
For example, you may wish to suggest a job share arrangement until you are ready to resume full time employment. This may be an approach your employer had not considered but finds appealing, as rehiring can be a more costly and time consuming expense. Showing your willingness to make the transition as smooth as possible is likely to be well received, and shows your commitment to the position you will be leaving temporarily.
* Note that while most employers are obligated to provide a work guarantee and a period of parental leave, this may differ if you are working under a contract or specific work place agreement. Contact your HR or union representative to confirm your entitlements. If this type of support is not available to you, contact Wagenet. |
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It may be a few months after the birth, or it may be a year or more before full time or part time work becomes a possibility. Some new mothers can find seeking employment after having a child a daunting prospect, but a little preparation can make this process easier.
Consider the points below:
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Clarify your goals; are you intending to return to building a career, or are you perhaps looking for something less ambitious? Spend some time working out what’s most important before you launch into your job hunt. |
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If you plan to work from home during parental leave, set up your home office space well in advance, it may be the last thing you have time for or can afford once you have a new baby in the house. |
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If you are returning to work after a significant break, ensure you have a realistic career goal in mind. Map out a first and second choice and don’t be discouraged if you don’t succeed right away. Consider the first job applications and interviews as learning experiences as well as employment opportunities! |
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If you have been out of the job market for some time, you may need to review your resume. Avoid including information about your new family member. You are not obligated to reveal any personal information either in your resume or in an interview, and a prospective employer that requests it may be acting illegally. |
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Full-time or part-time? You may have decided that a part-time arrangement suits you best. If you are considering a work-from-home opportunity, be wary. Many of the opportunities touted on the web are scams or offer limited reward for a substantial investment of time. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! |
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Rather than considering just one position, you may find that a portfolio of smaller jobs suits your lifestyle. One day a week at the local nursery, some part-time bookkeeping or sporadic consulting work may be a better arrangement now that you have additional obligations. |
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A volunteer position may be worth considering. Should you decide to delay returning to work to resume a career until a later date, but are still looking for something in the mean time, a related volunteer position can be highly regarded by a future potential employer. |
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Keeping abreast of changes in your industry while you are away can help you to return to your career more quickly. Industry journals and websites can be one way to stay current. Organise to have newsletters or communications sent to your home address. Remaining in contact with colleagues through email or an occasional lunch catch up can be a great way to keep up to date. |
Finally remember, creating a family is a life-changing process involving the steepest learning curve, the greatest patience and long hours of sleep deprivation. If you can survive this process, you can certainly navigate a new work arrangement!
by Martin Jorgensen
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