Career coach, Natalie Trice is on hand to help answer how to approach this potentially difficult conversation.
Natalie is a Career Coach for PR professionals, PR Mentor and Trainer for Small Business Owners, and a Guest Lecturer for UK Universities.
Before adding ICF accredited training to her portfolio of first class services, Natalie has worked for some of the biggest global brands, most dynamic UK businesses, and some pretty exceptional entrepreneurs.
For 23 years MS&L, Cartoon Network, CNN, Discovery Channel, Epson, Animal Planet, Earthwatch, Betty Crocker, TM Lewin, Sense, and the Talented Ladies Club were just some of the brands Natalie had the privilege to work with and represent, and she loved her work.
From Tom and Jerry launches on Red Square, to James Cameron premieres in Amsterdam, and touring Europe with a team of animators and hanging out at media parts across the world with some amazing contacts, Natalie’s been there, done that, got the t-shirts, as well as the awards and the coverage.
DON’T FORGET – IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FOR US – WHETHER IT BE ABOUT WORK RELATIONSHIPS, GAINING CONFIDENCE, OR TAKING THE LEAP INTO TECH – YOU CAN ASK US ANYTHING.
Hello SheCanCode,
I’ve just found out that I’m pregnant – and while I’m absolutely buzzing about it, I’m kind of terrified of telling my boss. We don’t have a brilliant relationship and I tend to avoid having awkward conversations with her. I guess I’m just worried about her reaction – especially as we are short staffed at the moment. How do I muster up the confidence to tell her? I know there’s legally nothing she can do about it, but I’m scared she’ll make my work life uncomfortable.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Mum-to-be
HELLO MUM-TO-BE,
Congratulations on your pregnancy, what fantastic news! It’s completely normal to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety when it comes to sharing the news with your boss, especially if your relationship is not great, but you don’t want this to cloud what should be a happy time in your life.
First all, check out your rights regarding pregnancy and maternity leave as this knowledge will give you confidence as you plan this conversation and also give you guidelines to work with for the coming momonets.
Before you even book a meeting with you boss, have a think about what you are going say, how you will say it and anticipate potential questions or concerns your boss may have.
Practice your talking points to feel more prepared and confident during the discussion.
Once the day for the meeting comes, ensure you have somewhere quite to talk and enough time for a discussion without interruptions. A neutral and comfortable environment can help create a more relaxed atmosphere and if you really are worried about how they will react, you may want a member of HR to come to the meeting as well – you need this to be as calm and professional as possible.
When it comes to the meeting, try to frame the conversation in a positive light, emphasising your excitement about the news, while being clear that you remain committed to your work and are willing to discuss any necessary arrangements or accommodations to ensure a smooth transition during your absence. Taking a plan in with you, such as delegating tasks to other team members or arranging for maternity cover can help deal with the practical elements of this but remember that you are allowed to be happy during this time and that your boss should be part of the changes in the team. It is impossible to know how these conversations will go, you never know, she might be happy for you, but whatever the outcome, you cannot control her reaction or what is going on her life to make her feel the way she does. I would suggest that after the meeting you send a follow up email to her and HR which summarises the key points discussed, including any agreements or arrangements made and this will ensure there is a record of the conversation and can help avoid miscommunications or down the life.
While it’s understandable to feel anxious about this conversation, and even the time you spend at work before your baby arrives, you need to approach the conversation with confidence, professionalism, and know that you have done your job, and if they can’t work with you, then seek advice from a colleague or HR.
Best of luck, and enjoy this exciting time as you embrace a new chapter of your life.
Natalie
