Challenges Of Pregnancy And The Workplace Today!
One thing men do not have to worry about when it comes to the workplace is pregnancy – it can sometimes be a woman’s pain – no pun intended. Yes, until recently, pregnancy and the workplace was such a taboo subject matter, but now, with the whole change in the gender and positions of the workforce, all possible types of discrimination are being ‘brought to light’.
Let’s take a look at this contributed article to see how you can spot any inconsistencies and maybe cry for fair practices when it comes to pregnancy and the workplace.
Signs You’re Being Discriminated Against At Work Because You’re Pregnant
In the workplace, women should never be subject to unfair treatment while they are on maternity leave or while they are pregnant. While most employers do treat all of their employees fairly, there are, unfortunately, cases whereby women find themselves missing out on opportunities and being discriminated against in other ways simply because they are carrying a child. With that being said, read on to discover some of the key signs that you are being discriminated against because you are pregnant.
While on leave you are not made aware of promotion opportunities – Even if you are not at work, you should be aware of any promotion opportunities. If the best person for the job is not given a promotion simply because she is pregnant, this can count as discrimination.
This does not only apply to opportunities for career progression but training opportunities as well. Your employer is expected to be reasonable with regard to where and when training takes place.
You have not been given a place to rest at work – If you are pregnant; it is likely that you are going to need more rest breaks. Your employer needs to be understanding of this. In accordance with the law, he or she needs to provide you with somewhere suitable for rest.
Absences related to your pregnancy have been included on your record – Another sign that you may require the services of an employee lawyer is if your absences from work due to your pregnancy, for example, because of doctor appointments or maternity leave, are recorded on your record.
You have not been made aware of any health and safety risks at work – In addition to the points that have already been mentioned, an employer also has a legal responsibility to make sure that you are aware of any health and safety risks that are applicable to you now that you are pregnant. If you are not made aware, an accident could occur, and your employer would be liable for this.
Assumptions are being made about you – Last but not least, women can have a baby and a career. It is not fair to say that you have chosen to become a parent rather than commit to your career. If such assumptions are being made and you are experiencing roadblocks at work because of this, this also counts as discrimination.
Hopefully, you now have a better understanding as to whether you are being discriminated against or not. If you feel you are being discriminated against, make sure you follow the correct channels and seek the legal assistance you need.
No woman should feel like they are being treated poorly or missing out on workplace opportunities simply because they have decided to start a family.
Yes, there should be no additional pressure on any woman who is experiencing pregnancy and the workplace, and this is one less ‘stress factor’ that she needs, especially at this point of her life.
Images courtesy of Pixabay and Pexels.
How would you like to learn how to post on a blog like this one?
You can put your thoughts on paper but learning how to build your own blog is something different. If you have the right training it is not that difficult.
When you learn how to build your own blog you get to choose the things that you write about. You can also use the blog to make extra income. Here is where I learned how to build my own blog and connect with people who helped me along the way.
Click Here and see what it is all about!
Hello there, I am 
8 thoughts to “Challenges Of Pregnancy And The Workplace Today!”
Yes, Michelle, many changes need to be made in the workplace, not only with pregnancies but with sexual harassment as well.
Women go through enough during a pregnancy and they don’t need the additional stress of having problems at work. In this modern day, and as long as women have been in the workplace you would think employers would know by now how to deal with this. Sometimes keeping up with your work is enough of a problem, men, and women employees should be made aware of the problems women face when pregnant. Loved your post, good information everyone should be made aware of. Talk soon I hope.
Hello Wayne,
Thanks for stopping by and for your thoughts. Yes, you made a good point about women in the workplace and not only the issue when it comes to pregnancy, but also sexuality issues. Ah, the world we live it can sometimes amaze us – the total indifference and lack of respect. I hope we will become more aware and sensitive to these unfortunately too common issues, and somehow, get on the bandwagon to resolution and elimination.
All the best.
Michelle
I can relate to this, Michelle. While carrying my second baby into the early 2nd trimester, I had to be on bed rest for 2 weeks due to my backache. And how my superior looked at me in disbelief when I delivered the news was a moment to remember. Well, it is not that I wanted it to happen. The long hours at work, coupled with the stress of meeting deadlines are the causes. I am passed this stage but hope all moms-to-be stand up to fight against discriminations.
Best wishes,
Sharon
Hello Sharon,
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your personal story. Yes, that must have ‘blown your mind’ looking back now and thinking about his face…lol. Yes, it is a pity that employers ‘discriminate’ in such fashion. However, we have the power to turn things around – we just need to be strong and know that we are not alone, and what we do for ourselves will also help others.
All the best.
Michelle
Thank you Michelle for bringing up such a sensitive subject to the forefront. Being a woman who has worked in large companies and in small privately owned companies too I have experienced both ends of the bar – equal opportunity consideration and discrimination! Also being a single parent can be discriminated upon – choosing to divorce my partner cost me several jobs – as I was not deemed “available” enough to the company! On the other hand I had on boss who would rely on the fact that I would be in “need” of the job for the money and so mistreated me too!
There is a lot of unfairness when it comes to women wanting a career – it is still a battle!
Thanks for your visit and your personal story, Orion. It broke my heart a little the way you said – equal opportunity and discrimination – so painful. I am hoping that that time is behind you and you have found a place of work that is gentle with you and your familial needs. All the best.
Michelle
I had no idea that things were getting so bad. Fortunately, I experienced no problems. I worked both times, but that was a long time ago and people were more thoughtful then. Thanks for addressing these problems. We need to speak up for those who can’t without fear of losing their job.
Hello Tanya,
Thanks so much for stopping by and voicing your thoughts. Yes, regrettably, people are not always what we would like them to be – you hit the nail on the head – thoughtful! However, we can all make the difference one by one…by just doing our small part.
Michelle