Turn over a new leave!

Promoting good maternity leave practices is the least a humane work environment can grant. M&B tells you what you can expect from your employer — and the Indian law — if you are pregnant or a new mum...

Motherhood is a truly special experience and organisations are waking up to the need of providing necessary support as well as medical benefits to their female employees. As more and more women join the workforce, such benefits are but a step to ensure that an employee does not have to sacrifice her career to fulfill her role as a mother. It is only fair that while she is involved in the wondrous act of creating and bringing new life into this world, she is not only cared for, but is also made to feel special. A new mother’s body takes time to heal from the birthing experience. Besides, her baby depends on her for food, comfort and care. It is natural for the overwhelming excitement and responsibilities to override all other priorities. And for that, women should neither have to resign from their job nor should they have to be without pay for taking leave. The law gives every right to a woman to go on maternity leave without getting her salary deducted.

THE RULEBOOK