How to break pregnancy news to your boss

How to break pregnancy news to your boss (Photo: iStock)

There are many challenges and obstacles that women face in the workplace. You may find yourself in the middle of your career with a positive pregnancy test.

This is great news, but the question on your mind is 'How do I tell my boss? This can be a challenge when it comes to finding the perfect approach.

But with the right work etiquette tips, you should be able to get the message across to your boss.

Here are some of them to consider when you are planning to tell your boss that you are pregnant.

1 Be the one to break the news

Telling your colleagues that you are pregnant before you tell your boss could cause you unnecessary problems. The news could find its way to your boss before you have had time to talk to them.

Make sure you tell your boss before you tell even your closest colleagues. This will give your boss time to make the necessary adjustments before the rest of the office has time to form an opinion.

2 Prepare your speech

Before you start, it's best to prepare what you're going to say. Some of the information you need to have at hand is your expected date of delivery, dates of doctor's appointments, and any special requests (or conditions) you may have.

You should also read the company's maternity leave policy so that you know your rights as a pregnant mother. This will give you more confidence when you approach your employer with the news of your pregnancy.

3 Timing is everything

Choose an appropriate time to tell your boss. This should be when they are free to listen to you and give you their full attention. Avoid informally breaking the news in front of everyone, such as at a meeting.

Telling them well in advance will also give them time to plan their maternity leave and be prepared for the days when they might not be able to come to work for one reason or another.

4 Do it in person

Part of work etiquette is to address an issue in person. Avoid breaking the news by email or to your colleagues while you are absent. Telling them in person is seen as a sign of respect and that you value your employer. You can follow up with an email to document the interaction.

5 Be professional

When talking to your boss about your pregnancy, remember to be direct and professional. This is a work environment, so things should still be taken seriously. Breaking the news can be a little nerve-wracking because you don't know how they will react. However, you need to be composed so that you can communicate effectively.

At this point, be direct and honest about when you expect to give birth and therefore need to start your maternity leave. It's best to maintain a good relationship. Remember that they need you, but probably not as much as you need them. So you need to be careful how you navigate these deep waters.