Example Maternity Leave Planning

Maternity Leave Memo for (Your Name)

To (Your Supervisor)

(Date)

This letter is to formally inform you I am pregnant and wish to take maternity leave. I expect the leave to last (number) weeks and to begin on (date). As you know, I take great pride in my performance and the quality of my work for (employer). To ensure my job responsibilities will be managed during the period that I am away from the office, I am making the following proposal for work coverage, communications during leave and my return to work.

I consider this proposal the beginning of a conversation and welcome your input. I will let you know if I believe this plan should be revised, given that the date my maternity leave begins depends in part on health factors beyond my control.

Current Work I plan to complete these projects before my maternity leave commences:  (Project 1)  (Project 2)  (Project 3) The following projects or job responsibilities can wait until I return from leave:  (Project 1)  (Project 2)  (Project 3)

Work Needing Coverage The following projects or job duties will need to be covered during my absence:  (Project or duty 1)  (Project or duty 2)  (Project or duty 3)

Consider recommending a specific co-worker or co-workers who are qualified to take over your projects. Alternatively, inquire about whether the company might hire a temporary employee whom you could train prior to your due date.

I anticipate being fully occupied during pregnancy leave with the physical recovery from birth and caring for my newborn baby. However, if you need to reach me for urgent work-related matters, I will be available at (phone number). I do not expect to be able to keep up with business email, so please contact me by phone.

I would like to schedule a meeting a month before my pregnancy leave ends to discuss the transition back to work and get up to speed on projects. I would appreciate being kept in the loop of any major announcements or reorganizations that would affect my job. Please send any written notices to my home address and feel free to call as well. Note: Choose one of the following “return to work” proposals. Do not include all three in your letter.

Return to Work - Proposal to Work from Home I plan to return to full-time work on (date). For the (number) weeks before that date, I would like to work (number) days per week from home. This will allow me to keep (work projects) on track and address any questions or issues that arise during my maternity leave. I (will require/have) the needed computer equipment, phone and Internet connections at home to perform this work.

Return to Work - Proposal to Return Part-Time I would like to return to work on (date) on a part-time basis. I propose working (number) days each week for (number) weeks and subsequently returning to work full time.

Return to Work - Proposal to Return Full-Time I plan to return to work on (date) on a full-time basis. I anticipate no problem with resuming my current position and delivering the same high-quality work that I do now. Again, please consider this return to work proposal the starting point for discussion. If you have concerns about anything I've suggested, please inform me so that I have an opportunity to address them. Please let me know of any information or forms, such as a doctor's note, that you will require from me before or during my maternity leave. I look forward to working with you to ensure smooth transitions to maternity leave and back to work.

Sincerely yours,

(Your name)