How to Ask for Paternity Leave and Succeed

Your goal is to get enough paternity leave to do what you need. However you do not want to weaken you position or reduce your status in the company. Here are tips to do just that.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. First make sure that you are not a pushover. Remember that you are entitled to leave. However balance this with some flexibility. Work to negotiate a mutually beneficial agreement.

2. Also make sure to request the leave well before the due date. The more advance notice the supervisor receives about your paternity leave, the less likely that it will cause a problem or affect your status.

3. Next check to see if any other fathers have taken leave. Find out how they were treated and check your employee contract and handbook to leave about the terms of the leave.

4. Schedule a time to meet with your supervisor shortly before the leave to assist with transitioning some task to others and discuss the ways that you will stay in contact with the office while you are on leave. Additionally point out again the benefits of the leave- helping set policy for future fathers in the company.

Tips & Warnings

• To reduce the impact of your leave offer to work from home, call into the office daily, or help with the transition of work to others who will take over during your leave.
• Emphasize the importance of your job and career
• Do not accept delays, settle the issue of leave immediately
• Point out the positive effects of your plan
• Schedule a meeting shortly before the leave to discuss final issues and how you will stay in contact with the office.

[missnye]

on 11/29/2009 well said!*****