What would you do in this case?.. Am I asking too much?

Question

have been with this company for 4 months now and I am 5 months pregnant... which I did not know when I was hired. This is one of the best places I know for being an understanding type place- atleast what I can tell so far. They pay health insurance premiums 100%, I'm getting temporary disability during my maternity leave- 2/3 salary paid while I'm gone, and they seem to be very understandable with my doctor's appointments and such. I feel like they are doing so much for me already- but here's what I've been thinking.... I am diabetic and this is my third child. The first two came early, mostly from pushing myself too hard toward the end. The kind of work I do can be done from home with the proper computer programs and a decent computer / laptop. Would it be asking too much if I asked them to loan me a laptop and let me consult from home- starting like 4 weeks from my due date to the end of my leave? I'm afraid of being told no and being let down- need some input!! THANKS!

Answer 1

If you think that working form home will help definitely ask. Many employers are just as concerned about healthy employees as they are about profits. A healthy employee always has the possibility of being more productive than one that is not.

Before you go to talk to your supervisor to work from home or flextime, try to find out as much as you can about their policies. This might involve reviewing the company handbook or casually talking to HR managers. The more information you can get the better equipped you will be in the actual conversation.

Also think about the pros and cons of working at home from the perspective of your employer. Have a plan and framework of a work schedule. Show them concrete ways that you will keep up your productivity, and any other benefits this will have for them. Since you have your own concerns and apprehensions, they are sure to have their own as well. Do your homework. Have alternatives and be as flexible as possible. The more serious you are about this, the more serious they will consider your situation.

Just to note…
In a Michigan State University study, Ellen Kossek, PhD, concluded that people who work from home work longer than their office counterparts, spending up to an extra seven hours a week working. In addition, people working from home are likely to end up with more family conflict, as home workers struggle to establish boundaries between family and home. So, those are some things to think about before you make a final decision.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

I dont think this is too much to ask. At least your planning on working still. You could be asking for early maternity leave and not planning on working at all. I believe that if you explain to them that your last two births came early and that you dont want to chance that again, then they will understand. (especially if its a female boss.) The most they can do is tell you no. At least you tried. If they have the choice between you working at home or not at all, I think they will choose working at home. Maybe you could try getting a letter from you doctor saying that he recommends you staying off your feet. That would help. GOOD LUCK!!

Answer 3

Is it a usual practice of the company to loan lap tops or to allow workers, pregnant or not, to work from home? If they are flexible with their non-pregnant employees you have a chance but you have a couple of things stacked against you:
1) you are a new hire
2) you will be on leave less than a year after you began there

Approach your boss carefully. Be willing to accept no if it comes and do it graciously. Many companies aren't as willing to be flexible with pregnant workers because there is no guarantee they will return after leave. Use your best judgment with your boss and have a happy and safe pregnancy!

Answer 4

Doesn't hurt to ask them if that option would be a possibility for you. Demonstrate that you do work hard and you've been a valuable employee, and that because of your family situation you're hoping you might be allowed to have a bit of flexibility. Explain to them that as you see it, you don't anticipate it to be a problem if you'd have the option to work from home for that period of time, but be sure that you let them know that they are welcome to voice any concerns that they may have on their end. (Maybe there's a job responsibility or two you hadn't considered and would not be able to do from home?) Just make sure it's a discussion, not just a request.

I think it should be fine, but emphasize with them that you will be working, you will be available even while you're home for that period of time that isn't included in your maternity.

Good luck!

Answer 5

I don't think so. Afterall it is cheaper for them in the long run for you to have a healthy full term baby. Also I think 6 weeks before you due date is more reasonable. If you can not go on leave any earlier than when you give birth. But I live in a crazy country where you get 12 months paid leave.

But ultimately you should do what is best for you, even if it means loosing your job.

Answer 6

Well...saying no is the worst that could happen. I don't think it is too much to ask. Maybe you could work out a deal where you come into the office a couple days a weeks, or something like that. This way they are still able to feel like you are a part of the daily duties.
Good luck and Congratulations!

Answer 7

If I were you, I would ask.. The worst they can say is no.. Make sure when you ask them you let them know that you are more than happy to stay in the office if you have too, but it would be nice to be at home with your kids.. I hope everything works out for you!! Good luck

Answer 8

I would tell them everything you said here... and they seem very understanding, which is great for you. Now the worst is-they could say no.... but it's not so bad if they do.... I don't think they would think less of you or anything like that. But honestly, talk to them, let them know your situation, and they just might give you the okay- especially since it will be so close to your due date. Goodluck!

Answer 9

it can't hurt to ask.
And if they say no, have them give you reasons why not. My job could be easily done from home, but since I don't really have to be home I haven't asked.
I wish I could work from home since my daughter is already 15 months old and I've been workins since she was 3 months old, I feel liek I missed out on a lot :(
There is no such thing as a stupid question

Good Luck

Answer 10

I don't see why they wouldn't allow you to work from home .My doctor put me on bed rest my last month. If you talk to your doctor he may just give you a note. Let him know your concerns about going early into labor. third babies come much faster too then your second did. I don't feel you are being unreasonable or asking too much. Good Luck!!