Maternity Leave Letter to Employer
Maternity leave from work is a protected right for all pregnant women under the FMLA (Family & Medical Act) of 1993. This is an important time for a new mother to recover from the birth as well as bond with her child, meriting this legal protection. However, upon announcing your pregnancy and determining the dates you will be taking your leave and returning to work afterward, you should make it a priority to write a formal maternity leave letter to employer and anyone else it may concern, informing them of the situation and your intentions for returning to work.
Format and Content
The proper maternity leave letter to employer format includes a brief statement of your pregnancy, the exact dates of your departure and return from the leave, and depending on company policy, an enclosed confirmation of pregnancy from your doctor. You should familiarize yourself with your company’s policies on maternity leave so that you will be aware if any extra information is to be expected from you. Use a formal and concise writing style and send the letter to both your supervisor and the human resources department, at least eight weeks before your scheduled absence.
Sample
Here is a sample maternity leave letter to employer from a pregnant employee. She plans to take 12 weeks off work in order to safely deliver her baby and enjoy a period of recovery and bonding. This pregnant employee writes a formal letter 8 weeks in advance to communicate her plans about her impending maternity leave to her employers. She takes care to thank them and let them know where she may be reached during her maternity leave if necessary.
I am writing this letter to inform you of the news of my pregnancy as well as my intention to take 12 weeks of maternity leave from work. Enclosed with this letter you will find a medical form with my doctor’s confirmation of my pregnancy. I intend to begin my maternity leave 8 weeks from now on February 26, 2014, and return to the office on May 20, 2014, barring any unforeseen complications. I will endeavor to complete all currently unfinished work between now and February 26, and put forth every effort to make up for my absence when I return in May.
I will inform you as soon as possible if any changes in this plan should occur. I appreciate your consideration in this matter as I will need the benefit of maternity leave in order to recover from birth, bond with my child and attend all follow-up visits with my care providers. I can be contacted throughout my maternity leave via email at [email] or telephone at (555)-555-5555. Please do not hesitate to contact me if any clarification is needed in this matter. Thank you for your consideration.
Yours sincerely,
Stephanie Perez
Stephanie Perez
Secretary
Administration Department