Maternity leave can be used as a moment to prepare for childbirth and take care of your little one in the first months of life. In order to have quality maternity leave and not be disturbed by office matters, there are several things that pregnant women need to prepare.
In Indonesia, based on Law no. 13 of 2003 concerning Manpower, female workers are entitled to leave for 1.5 months before and 1.5 months after giving birth or about 90 working days.
Even though the regulation has been stipulated, some companies have exempted their pregnant employees from taking maternity leave with the same accumulated leave, which is 90 working days or 3 months.
When is the Right Time to Take Maternity Leave?
There is no definite benchmark when the right time to take maternity leave. The reason is, every pregnant woman has her own considerations about when to take maternity leave. There are those who decide to take leave from the age of 7-8 months of pregnancy, there are also those who just take leave before the due date (HPL).
The decision to take maternity leave is usually based on health conditions and an agreement with the company where the pregnant woman works. The reason is, for some conditions, obstetricians may suggest pregnant women to take maternity leave since a few weeks before the HPL arrives.
For example, pregnant women are at risk for pregnancy complications, so it is advisable to take leave early so that pregnant women get enough rest. It is hoped that with sufficient rest, the body becomes more fit so that childbirth can run smoothly and the health of pregnant women and their little ones is maintained.
For pregnant women who have no complaints or health problems, it may be possible to take time off close to the due date (HPL). Usually this is chosen because there is a desire to spend more time with your little one after delivery.
Regarding the length of leave, Article 82 paragraph (1) explains that if necessary, pregnant women can request an extension of the rest period by attaching a certificate from a gynecologist before and after giving birth.
This obstetrician's certificate can be used as an attachment to get additional leave if the pregnant woman's health condition does not allow her to return to work, even though the specified maternity leave period has expired.
What Needs To Be Done Before Maternity Leave?
Every worker wants their time off to be of quality and not to be disturbed by work, including when taking maternity leave. So, so that pregnant women can enjoy maternity leave comfortably without leaving their professionalism at work, here are guidelines that can be followed:
1. Check company policy
Pregnant women can discuss with the Human Resources (HR) section or Human Resources (HR) at the office to ask questions about maternity leave. This is important because the policies for employees who work on a contract are different from those for permanent employees.
By understanding company policies, pregnant women can adjust the maternity leave plan to the applicable regulations.
2. Communicate with superiors
If needed, pregnant women can communicate with their superiors about their work plans before going on leave. This includes the transfer of duties and job responsibilities to other employees who will replace them.
3. Set the contact method during leave
Sometimes pregnant women are still needed to be contacted during the leave period. Think of ways for colleagues or superiors to contact pregnant women when needed, without disturbing pregnant women.
For example, only through electronic mail (e-mail) or telephone contact at certain hours. In addition, pregnant women can also post reminder notifications in emails that pregnant women are on leave.
4. Prepare documents for replacement employees or co-workers
To facilitate the work of substitute employees and co-workers, pregnant women can prepare documents or a collection of records related to pregnant women's work. Especially for jobs that are ongoing or still in the process of completion.
5. Inform clients
If the job requires pregnant women to frequently interact with clients or third parties, then pregnant women need to inform these parties about the period of leave. Make sure they know who will replace Bumil, so that their plans will continue.
6. Clear the table
Pregnant women can start clearing their desks so that pregnant women can work comfortably during their leave. Pregnant women can also bring home items that are considered important.
7. Find a babysitter or daycare
Find a nanny or daycare The right one for the little one who will be born may take a long time. In order not to be in a hurry, pregnant women can start this search earlier, before entering the leave period. That way, after the maternity leave period is over, pregnant women already know where to entrust the care of their little one.
For those who are planning to leave their children at daycare during the COVID-19 pandemic, make sure daycare selected employ certified caregivers and also follow health protocols in accordance with government directives.
Meanwhile, if you want to hire a personal caregiver or baby sitter, make sure that he is in good health. During work, make sure he always follows health protocols such as washing hands, wearing masks, and limiting contact with other people outside the home.
By implementing the steps above, hopefully pregnant women's maternity leave will be comfortable and work in the office can still be completed. Congratulations on preparing for maternity leave, pregnant women!
