As soon as the pregnancy test comes out with a positive response, the question of whom to tell about your pregnancy and when is likely to be on your mind quite a bit. The list of those people who are on a need to know basis does include your boss, but this does not mean that you need to dish right away. Of course, there is no one correct answer about when to disclose your pregnancy at work. Here are a few things to think about that can help you decide when you will tell your boss about your pregnancy.
In case you are wondering, many women disclose their pregnancies after the first trimester, when the risk for miscarriage drops dramatically. Of course, some women experience severe morning (or afternoon or evening) sickness and have to spill the beans much earlier in order to explain their frequent dashes to the ladies room. There’s also the gossip quotient to consider. You don’t want your boss to find out about your pregnancy from anyone but you, so be sure to take that into consideration.
Another factor which may determine when to break the news to your boss is when you start to show – you wouldn’t want your expanding waistline to inform them before you say something. A strategic move might be to break the news after you do something fantastic, like finish a big project before the deadline or impress a client with your talents. Your boss will be reassured that your pregnancy has not affected your ability to do your work. Also, ask your boss whether he or she would like you to help train others in the office to cover your duties while you are on maternity leave.
The decision of when to tell your boss you are pregnant can take some thought. Chances are, though, your news will be warmly welcomed and your boss and co workers will be supportive. If not, it is more a reflection on your workplace than on you.
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