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Sharing post-maternity leave plans with HR
I am currently a full-time employee at my organization, and will be taking 12 weeks of maternity leave when my child is due in June. About half of my leave will be paid for by my employer via a combination of family medical leave and short-term disability.
I proposed to my manager that I come back to work at 80% (4 days/week vs. 5) after my leave is over, and she approved. I haven't shared this with HR yet, however. Do I put myself at risk that HR will consider me an 80% full-time employee through my leave period vs. 100%, if so? My paid time off and accrued benefits during leave would be affected, if so. Thanks in advance!
Anonymous
05/24/19 at 2:57PM UTC
Congratulations! Having had someone on my own team do this, I can only speak to what I have done. To ensure my team member did not lose anything in the transition, the effective date of the reduction in hours was set to be the date of her return. Therefore, she was still considered a 40-hour-per-week employee through her leave. Also, I am an HR director and would be shocked if your HR person tried to shift you to 80% time before your return. I hope this helps. If in doubt, have your manager confirm in writing that your scheduled hours will change upon your first day back.
Stephanie Linakis
16
05/27/19 at 12:10PM UTC
Many thanks! Super helpful.
Anonymous
05/24/19 at 1:59PM UTC
“The definitions of full-time and part-time can vary depending on law and policy. Most employers determine full-time status based on business needs and typically consider an employee to be full-time if they work anywhere from 32 to 40 or more hours per week.” So it will likely depend on state law and your company’s policies. Are you close with your manager? It might be helpful to have a conversation on your classification when working 4 days vs 5 days. My hope is that your org would want to support you as a full-time employee during the transition back to work! Once you have that answer, then you can plan for it and hopefully alleviate some anxiety. Congratulations by the way!
Stephanie Linakis
16
05/27/19 at 12:09PM UTC
Thank you so much! Yes, 30hrs (I will be working 32) constitutes full-time at my organization. Given this and based on yours and others replies, I feel less anxious that HR would shift my scheduled hours before my first day back.
Heather NealRemote Strategist + Mom to Rack Kitty!
741
05/27/19 at 4:38PM UTC
Great news! Hope you can now prepare for your very important new job :)
Stephanie Linakis
16
05/23/19 at 5:55PM UTC
Thank you!
Anonymous
05/23/19 at 4:38PM UTC
When I took maternity leave, it depended on when I switched to part time. Since I came back at part time post maternity leave, but was full time before maternity, I was considered a full time employee for accrual purposes.
© 2022 Fairygodboss. All rights reserved.